Aaditya Thackeray Slams BJP: Alleges Attack on Democracy, Election Manipulation, and Regional Party Suppression

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday raised concerns over the future of democracy in India, accusing the BJP of attempting to dismantle regional parties and manipulate elections. His remarks came during a press conference in Delhi, where he also addressed the ongoing turmoil within the INDIA Bloc.

Thackeray’s visit to Delhi follows the Operation Tiger revelations, which suggested that some Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders were in contact with the Shinde faction. While in the capital, he met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and is scheduled to meet AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal.

Raising concerns about alleged voter fraud and EVM manipulation, Thackeray questioned the fairness of the electoral process.

"I met Rahul Gandhi last night, and today I will be meeting Arvind Kejriwal. The future of this country is uncertain. We don’t even know where our votes are going due to voter fraud and EVM tampering. Are elections in India truly free and fair? We believe we live in a democracy, but that is no longer the case. What happened to us, Kejriwalji, and the Congress could happen to Nitishji, the RJD, and Chandrababu Naidu in the future," Thackeray said.

He further alleged that the BJP's ultimate goal is to weaken regional parties, stating, "Their dream is to break and finish off every regional party, just as they are attempting to dismantle democracy itself."

Commenting on NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s recent meeting with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Thackeray refrained from making a direct statement but subtly criticized the development.

"I am not in a position to comment on Sharad Pawar. He will play the role he chooses for himself," he remarked.

Thackeray also launched an attack on Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who switched from the Congress to the BJP in 2020.

"Those who switch parties should not lecture us. A person who changes parties has no right to comment on others. His entire family gained everything from one party, yet he abandoned it and ran away," he said.

On the future of the opposition alliance, Thackeray assured that efforts were underway to strengthen the INDIA Bloc and finalize a roadmap.

"There are many senior leaders working on the roadmap for the alliance. The INDIA Bloc operates under joint leadership there is no single leader. This is not a battle of egos or personal gain; it is a fight for the country’s future," he asserted.
After meeting Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi, Aaditya Thackeray said:, "Arvind Kejriwal ji has done a lot of work in the past 10 years, and the people are well aware of it. The BJP had the blessings of the Election Commission, so they should express their gratitude to it. Votes were deliberately reduced in many places, and the Election Commission has taken away people's right to vote. Today, elections in our country are not conducted in a free and fair manner."


The INDIA Bloc, which has faced electoral setbacks in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi, is struggling to maintain unity ahead of upcoming state elections. Thackeray’s remarks indicate the growing tension within the opposition as it attempts to counter the BJP’s dominance.​