Mumbai, Sep 18 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) party expressed its appreciation for the Supreme Court's ruling that mandates the State Election Commission to conduct civic and local body elections by the end of January 2026, emphasizing that no additional extensions will be permitted.

However, the Thackeray faction has voiced significant concerns regarding the authenticity of democracy in the 29 Municipal Corporations, including Mumbai, as well as 32 Zilla Parishads and numerous Nagar Panchayats and Nagar Parishads, which have faced over three and a half years of arbitrary governance.

“While it is commendable that the highest court has liberated the local and civic body elections from governmental constraints, will true democracy be established in these institutions? Similar to the Assembly elections, there are apprehensions about vote rigging and manipulation of voter lists in these upcoming civic and local elections. What assurances do we have against such incidents in the forthcoming elections?” questioned the Thackeray group.

“Is there a hidden agenda in transporting 25,000 EVMs from Madhya Pradesh, citing a shortage? Is the decision to exclude VVPAT machines linked to the acquisition of these EVMs?” they further inquired.

The party contended that the current administration is being managed by government-appointed administrators, resulting in the ongoing exploitation of local and civic bodies.

The UBT argued that for several years, election schedules have been intentionally delayed under various pretexts, including ward composition, EVM shortages, and school examinations.

They highlighted that the deadline established by the Supreme Court for the election process completion by January 2026 is entirely reasonable.

“The public should express gratitude to the judiciary for this ruling, as it has unveiled the inactivity and inefficiency of the State Election Commission,” they stated.

“The primary motivation for postponing these elections was the ruling alliance's fear of defeat. Elections were continuously delayed in search of a favorable moment,” the editorial commented.

The Thackeray faction reiterated that no elected bodies have existed in these civic and local entities for over three and a half years due to the ruling alliance's arbitrary actions.

According to the editorial, when the topic of elections arises, the ruling coalition often provides various excuses to further delay the polls.

Despite a Supreme Court ruling in May to finalize the election process by October 31 this year, the Fadnavis-Shinde coalition remains inactive, citing the need for ward formation.

The Thackeray faction criticized Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule for his assertion that the State Election Commission will adhere to the court's deadline, questioning “what credibility does he have to discuss the deadline after postponing these elections for over three and a half years?”