Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the ruling dispensation after the Maharashtra municipal election results, alleging large-scale irregularities and demanding the immediate suspension of the State Election Commissioner along with a comprehensive, impartial probe into the entire electoral process.

Addressing a press conference, Thackeray said the recently concluded civic polls had become among the most controversial elections in the state’s history, with serious questions arising at every stage — from campaigning to polling day. He alleged that the ruling alliance resorted to intimidation of candidates and voters, misuse of official machinery, and unrestrained use of money power.

Thackeray claimed complaints had emerged from several constituencies regarding cash distribution, threats, voter list discrepancies, malfunctioning voting machines, erasure of ink/marker marks after voting, and even instances of double voting, all of which, he said, cast a shadow over the transparency of the electoral system.

Strongly criticising the Election Commission, Thackeray alleged that instead of maintaining constitutional neutrality, the institution functioned in the interest of those in power. “There was an attempt to win elections at any cost. The Election Commission did not appear to be a mere silent spectator but an active participant in this process,” he said.

Questioning the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’, Thackeray said that when such serious irregularities are surfacing even in local body polls, the idea of conducting nationwide simultaneous elections raises grave concerns.

Referring to the Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation results, Thackeray said the Shiv Sena (UBT) secured 65 seats while the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) won six seats, but the lack of numerical strength meant they would not be able to install a mayor.

However, he refused to term the outcome a defeat, asserting that their fight was ideological and would continue.

He apologised to voters and party workers for not being able to campaign across all regions, stating that he remained largely confined to Mumbai, Thane and Aurangabad. Thackeray thanked Shiv Sainiks, MNS workers and NCP supporters from “Chanda to Banda” for backing the alliance.

On the alliance with Raj Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray said it was incorrect to claim that one party gained while the other lost. According to him, workers of both Shiv Sena and MNS stood firmly with each other, which was precisely the purpose of the alliance.

Making a sharp remark on the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Thackeray said there was a time when the BJP’s political existence was impossible without the support of Balasaheb Thackeray. “Had Balasaheb Thackeray not fed the BJP a couple of morsels in its early days, it would have died of political starvation long ago,” he said.

He asserted that his party does not view its performance as a defeat. “There is a spark in our struggle, while their victory is tainted,” Thackeray remarked, accusing the BJP of following a policy of “use and discard,” warning that even its current allies would eventually face the same fate.

Concluding the press conference, Thackeray said the election outcome does not signal the end of democracy but marks the beginning of a new political phase, in which his party will function as a strong opposition and continue to raise public issues with full force.