In a rare show of cross-party unity, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray arrived at the Shiv Sena Shivalay on Tuesday morning, accompanied by party MP Anil Desai. The high-level gathering at the party headquarters was soon joined by NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and MNS chief Raj Thackeray, signalling a concerted effort by opposition leaders to address concerns over the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra.
Later today, an all-party delegation—including Pawar, Thackeray, Congress leaders Balasaheb Thorat and Varsha Gaikwad, among others—will meet Maharashtra’s Chief Electoral Officer S. Chockalingam. The objective is to discuss measures to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process ahead of critical polls, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, who had announced the initiative over the weekend, said the dialogue with the Election Commission is aimed at “ensuring transparency and trust” in the civic elections.
Raut emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in the electoral system, describing the meeting as “not just a political gesture but a collective effort to safeguard democracy.” He further clarified, “There is no political motive behind this visit,” adding that the goal is to strengthen democratic values and reinforce trust in the election process.
