Beed (Maharashtra), Sep 4 — Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday accused the BJP of resorting to "extremely low-level tactics" to win elections and alleged irregularities in voter registration processes, while urging party workers to closely monitor electoral rolls and strengthen the party's organisational base across Maharashtra.
Thackeray raised serious concerns over potential voter list manipulation, warning party workers that deleted voter entries could be exploited to introduce fake voters into electoral rolls.
Highlighting a recent incident in the Panvel, Navi Mumbai, and Kharghar areas, Thackeray recounted how Shiv Sena party workers uncovered illegal photocopying of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) voter forms at a local Xerox shop.
According to Thackeray, a party worker visiting the shop was told the staff was too busy to assist him. Upon further inspection, party members discovered multiple copying machines running at full capacity, duplicating confidential SIR registration forms.
"This is the 'employment' generated under the Modi administration -- duplicating fraudulent SIR forms," Thackeray remarked satirically, alleging that those responsible were local BJP operatives.
Thackeray claimed that after a confrontation broke out at the scene, local police initially hesitated to register an FIR. However, persistent pressure from Shiv Sena workers, led by party leader Prasad Bhoir, eventually forced authorities to lodge an official complaint late that night.
Thackeray also alleged similar instances in other locations where hotel rooms were rented under the names of senior political leaders to process fake voter forms before suspects fled. He urged party workers across the state to maintain strict vigilance against such practices to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming elections.
Thackeray expressed deep concern over voter registration discrepancies. Citing figures and referencing public observations made by political commentator Parakala Prabhakar, he claimed that an unusual influx of voters occurred between the Lok Sabha and assembly elections.
"The BJP is adopting extreme measures to secure power without any restraint," Thackeray alleged.
"In Maharashtra, millions of bogus registrations and duplicate voters were observed, while recent voter list revisions (SIR) saw over two crore names removed or altered across regions," he said.
Speaking at a meeting of local party officials and Booth Level Agents (BLAs), Thackeray praised the party’s grassroots management in the Beed assembly constituency. He commended leaders, including Ambadas Danve, for fully appointing BLAs across booths and reviving key organisational initiatives aimed at supporting party workers and their families.
Reflecting on the party's political history in the region, Thackeray highlighted the past alliance between the undivided Shiv Sena and the BJP, noting his late father’s close personal ties with veteran BJP leader Gopinath Munde. "The alliance between the Shiv Sena and BJP back then was completely different from what it is today," Thackeray noted.
"Out of goodwill and affection, we conceded several seats in Beed district to them over time. The adverse effect of this was that our presence in Beed gradually declined. Now, an opportunity has arrived to make Beed district saffron once again."
Emphasising the crucial role of local workers in safeguarding the electoral process, Thackeray tasked the assembled BLAs with thoroughly scrutinising voter rolls in their respective jurisdictions. He instructed workers to ensure every voter on the list is personally identified by name and face to prevent electoral fraud in upcoming contests.
Reaffirming his commitment to the party's ideological core, Thackeray distinguished between loyal party workers and defectors. "The true Shiv Sainik who carries the saffron flag in his heart and mind will never commit treachery," he said, taking a swipe at rival factions by referring to them as "Shah Sena" rather than Shiv Sena.
Outlining his upcoming political schedule, Thackeray announced his planned visit to Sambhajinagar on September 17 to join the ongoing Marathwada protests and later the annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.
He pledged that a Sena-led government would prioritise public welfare -- citing past achievements such as farm loan waivers -- and criticised the current ruling coalition for prioritizing financial gain over public service.
He concluded by reassuring supporters, including women and minority communities, that the Shiv Sena remains dedicated to serving as a trusted guardian of the people.