The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) — NCP (SP) — has confirmed it will join the October 4 protest march in Mumbai organised by the Thackeray cousins to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and challenge what organisers describe as electoral malpractices. State party president Shashikant Shinde announced the decision on Thursday, 1 October, saying office-bearers, workers, and supporters would turn out in large numbers.

Route and Demands

The march is scheduled to proceed from the Richardson and Cruddas company premises in Byculla to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters. Organisers have called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing sustained concerns over EVM manipulation and what they allege is a subversion of electoral integrity. Shinde confirmed that participants, including NCP (SP) members, would carry only the Indian National Flag (Tricolour) and refrain from displaying any party flags or banners — a condition laid down jointly by the march's co-organisers.

Thackeray Cousins Set the Tone

At a joint press conference on Tuesday, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, accompanied by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, said concerns over electoral malpractice had been raised consistently for years. 'Back in 2017-18, I met several political leaders regarding these issues. This march stands against the humiliation of voters and the subversion of our electoral integrity,' Raj Thackeray said, adding that the full message would be delivered from the stage on October 4. The two cousins stressed the demonstration transcends individual party politics and said leaders from ruling parties who oppose the poll panel's functioning are also welcome on stage.

MVA Consolidation Behind the March

The NCP (SP)'s participation follows a Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) meeting at which Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar held detailed discussions. Pawar has since directed all party workers to participate with full strength. Notably, rather than sending formal letters to opposition parties, the leadership has chosen to personally call leaders — a deliberate signal, according to organisers, of the movement's supra-partisan character.

Other Grievances in Focus

Shinde also used the announcement to flag additional concerns. He stated that on October 5, memorandums would be submitted to district administrations across Maharashtra highlighting a severe drought situation in the state. He also pointed to the unresolved Maratha reservation issue, noting that activist Manoj Jarange Patil had granted the government a three-month deadline, and alleged that pressure tactics were subsequently used against Patil. 'Such pressure tactics are dangerous for democracy,' Shinde said. He added that it had become increasingly difficult to protest through democratic means, alleging that state machinery was being used to 'unleash repression' whenever a position was taken against government policies.

What Comes Next

An urgent coordination meeting of key NCP (SP) office-bearers from Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Thane has been convened to prepare logistics for the march. With the MVA bloc now visibly consolidating around the October 4 demonstration, the event is set to be a significant test of opposition unity in Maharashtra ahead of future electoral contests.