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BJP MP Counters Uddhav: "Today's Aware Voter Rejects Old Slogans"

BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana dismissed Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's allegations of irregularities in the recent Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. Khatana asserted that India's electorate has evolved and now votes with a clear understanding of leadership, rendering old political slogans ineffective. Thackeray had questioned the polls' credibility, citing missing voter names and irregularities in counting, which he claimed could undermine public trust. The elections resulted in a decisive victory for the ruling Mahayuti alliance of the BJP and the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde.

Key Points: BJP MP Khatana Counters Uddhav on BMC Polls, Voter Awareness

  • BJP MP counters Uddhav's BMC poll irregularities claim
  • Says today's voter is aware and votes for leadership
  • Uddhav alleged missing names, counting issues, misuse of power
  • Mahayuti alliance (BJP-Shinde Sena) won BMC elections decisively
2 min read

'Today's voter is aware, old slogans no longer work': BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana counters Uddhav Thackeray on BMC polls

BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana responds to Uddhav Thackeray's BMC election allegations, stating today's voter is aware and votes for leadership, not old slogans.

"In today's India... today's voter is aware. Today's voter is casting their vote keeping the Prime Minister and Chief Minister in mind; old slogans no longer work. - Gulam Ali Khatana"

New Delhi, January 18

BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana on Sunday dismissed allegations raised by Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, asserting that India's electorate has evolved and now votes with a clear understanding of leadership and governance.

Reacting to Thackeray's claims of irregularities, Khatana said, "In today's India, from Lok Sabha elections and assembly elections to the three-tier corporation system, today's voter is aware. Today's voter is casting their vote keeping the Prime Minister and Chief Minister in mind; old slogans no longer work."

His remarks came after Thackeray questioned the credibility of the January 15 BMC elections, alleging missing names on voter lists, irregularities in counting, and misuse of power by the ruling alliance. Addressing a press conference, the UBT chief described the polls as "strange" and claimed that his opponents were fighting a desperate battle, allegedly resorting to cash distribution, coercion of candidates and forced withdrawals to ensure victory.

Thackeray further questioned the early visibility of numbers on television channels even before counting was completed, casting doubts on exit polls and the overall electoral process. "I have received several complaints from voters that their names were missing from the voter list. At various locations, the results are surprising," he said, adding that such practices could undermine public trust in elections.

The BMC elections, however, resulted in a decisive win for the ruling Mahayuti alliance comprising the BJP and the Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. According to official data released by the State Election Commission and the BMC, the BJP emerged as the single largest party, winning 89 seats with 11,79,273 votes. Among all winning candidates, the BJP's vote share stood at 45.22 per cent.

Its alliance partner, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), secured 29 seats with 2,73,326 votes, translating into a 5.00 per cent vote share. Together, the alliance formed the largest bloc in the civic body.

On the opposition side, the Shiv Sena (UBT), contesting in alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), won 65 seats. The UBT polled 7,17,736 votes, or 13.13 per cent, while the MNS added six seats with 74,946 votes, accounting for 1.37 per cent of the vote share.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
But Thackeray raises valid concerns about missing names and counting irregularities. Electoral integrity is paramount. We must investigate these complaints thoroughly to maintain public trust. A strong democracy needs a flawless process. 🤔
R
Rohit P
Typical sour grapes from Uddhav ji. When you lose, blame the EVM, blame the voter list. The people of Mumbai have chosen development and stability. The numbers are clear - 45% vote share for BJP! Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As an observer, it's fascinating to see Indian politics evolve. The shift from identity-based politics to performance-based voting is a sign of a maturing democracy. Both sides should focus on civic issues now - clean Mumbai should be the goal.
K
Karthik V
The real issue is BMC's functioning. Who will fix our roads before monsoon? Who will ensure proper waste management? Hope the new corporators deliver on these basic amenities. Enough of political drama.
M
Meera T
True awareness is when voters question *all* parties equally. We must not become blind supporters. We should applaud good work and criticize failures, regardless of the party symbol. That's how democracy strengthens. 🙏

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