Thackeray demands EC chief's removal, fresh polls in three states

Uddhav Thackeray intensified his criticism of the Election Commission on Tuesday, making an unprecedented call for the removal of its chief Gyanesh Kumar from office and his subsequent imprisonment. The Shiv Sena (UBT) president alleged systemic failures in the conduct of recent elections across multiple states.

Thackeray demanded that elections in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal be held afresh using traditional ballot papers rather than electronic voting machines. He argued that the current electoral process has been compromised by what he termed "wrong decisions" by the poll body.

The opposition leader's remarks represent an escalation in his party's ongoing dispute with the Election Commission over the conduct of recent elections. Thackeray has previously raised concerns about the integrity of voting procedures and the neutrality of election officials.

His demands come amid broader political tensions in Maharashtra following recent electoral contests. The Shiv Sena (UBT) faction has been vocal in alleging irregularities in the election process, though the Election Commission has not responded to the specific allegations made by Thackeray on Tuesday.