Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reacted to the October 4 protest announced by Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray against the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.Fadnavis said protesting is a democratic right, but stressed that the issues and examples cited during an agitation should be verified. He added that he would give a detailed response after the protest takes place.Key HighlightsRaj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray announced a joint protest for October 4The protest is against the Election Commission’s functioning and issues linked to electoral-roll revisionFadnavis said everyone has the democratic right to protestHe questioned whether the claims being raised are factually correctThe Election Commission has said decisions, including those related to SIR, were taken unanimouslyFadnavis Responds to October 4 ProtestSpeaking about the proposed protest, Fadnavis said he would not criticise anyone for exercising the right to protest.He, however, said that the issues being raised should be examined carefully and that the examples cited during the agitation should also be verified. Fadnavis said he would respond appropriately after the protest.Thackeray Brothers Announce Joint MarchRaj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray jointly announced the October 4 march in Mumbai. The two leaders said the protest would focus on the Election Commission and its functioning.Raj Thackeray said all political parties would be invited to participate, including members of ruling parties. The protest is being presented by the organisers as an issue concerning the Election Commission rather than a demonstration against a particular political party.The protest is linked to wider opposition concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and recent questions surrounding decisions of the Election Commission. The poll panel has maintained that its three-member commission took decisions, including those concerning SIR, unanimously.What Happens NextThe October 4 protest is expected to bring the two Thackeray-led parties together on a common platform. Fadnavis has indicated that the government will respond after the demonstration, while the Election Commission has defended the decision-making process surrounding SIR.The developments are likely to keep the Election Commission, SIR and electoral-roll revision at the centre of political discussion in Maharashtra.
