Uddhav Thackeray seeks sacking and imprisonment of Gyanesh Kumar; re-election for Maharashtra, TN, West Bengal

On September 23, 2026, Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray called for the removal and imprisonment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with a re-election in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Thackeray argued that future elections should be conducted on paper ballots. He demanded that all incorrect decisions made by the Election Commission be overturned and that elections where Kumar had intervened should be repeated. Thackeray accused Kumar of acting on instructions from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Responding to reports of disagreements between Kumar and two other Election Commissioners, Thackeray praised Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, thanking them on behalf of the nation. Thackeray characterized Kumar's actions as a rebellion against democracy. The Election Commission refuted these claims, stating that input provided at the draft stage should not be viewed as final decisions.

Thackeray expressed frustration with Kumar, claiming that there had been a persistent call for his removal over several days. He contended that Kumar's true character had been revealed to the public. Thackeray alleged that the Election Commission had mistakenly assigned the Shiv Sena symbol and name to a rival faction, pointing to internal party disputes.

He added that 40 lakh voter names were added to the list just before elections and then removed afterward, as well as that 90 lakh names were deleted in West Bengal and 70 lakh in Tamil Nadu. In the lead-up to the 2024 assembly elections, 45 lakh voters were added to the list in Maharashtra, leading to objections against 40 lakh citizens on the list.

Thackeray warned that if no action is taken against Kumar, "people will take matters into their own hands." He argued that if the public loses faith in the electoral process, it could result in anarchy within the country.