India General Elections 2024: Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray in a war of words over slow polling

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis; (right) Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray

A war of words broke out between Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray over a slow polling in Mumbai. Fadnavis said he was the first to lodge a complaint about the delay with both collectors while Thackeray alleged the BJP had prompted the Election Commission staff to ensure a slow process.

In the afternoon, Fadnavis took to social media to state that he had received several complaints about the delay in polling. "I have requested the city and suburban collector to look into it. I have requested them to avoid any trouble to the voters," he said in his post. Thackeray addressed a press conference after Fadnavis released his statement.

"The Election Commission is partisan. The people are enthusiastic, but they are being denied their right. Election officers [posted at polling booths] are working as Narendra Modi's domestic help. They are under pressure and scared. This red tape is unacceptable," said Thackeray.

The Sena president asked Mumbaikars to stay put in polling centres and assert their right. "Please go, stand there and don't go away. Be there even if it is 5-6 in the morning. Don't let these officers leave the booths," he said, adding that his party would move court over the issue. "Give Sena shakhas the names of the officers responsible. I will announce the names of the officers who have harassed you," he said.

Fadnavis shot back immediately, saying that he was the first to take up the issue of delayed polling with officials. He said Thackeray was sulking because he was facing impending defeat.

"Because he foresees defeat, he is levelling allegations against Modi-ji. He is creating a background ahead of the defeat on June 4. I also learned that the election officers have been threatened," he said, requesting Mumbaikars to go out and vote.