Shiv Sena's Nirupam Criticizes Aditya Thackeray's Concerns on Election Dates

Sanjay Nirupam of Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) dismissed UBT leader Aditya Thackeray's concerns about the Election Commission not announcing Maharashtra election dates as 'childish' in a tweet. Nirupam cited procedural reasons and impending elections in other states as justification.

Sanjay Nirupam of the Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde faction has taken a swipe at UBT leader Aditya Thackeray for his comments about the Election Commission of India not announcing the Maharashtra election date. In a tweet on X, Nirupam labeled Thackeray's concerns as 'childish,' accusing the young leader of misinterpreting the electoral process.

Nirupam's rebuttal came after Thackeray questioned why the election dates for Maharashtra and Jharkhand were not announced along with those of Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana. Nirupam clarified, 'The youth leader of UBT has made a childish tweet on the announcement of elections in Jammu-Kashmir and Haryana. His complaint is about why Maharashtra and Jharkhand's elections were not also announced. To inform him, elections in Jammu and Kashmir are mandated by the Supreme Court to be held by September. Haryana's Legislative Assembly term ends on 5th November, while Maharashtra's term extends till 26 November. Jharkhand's elections are due on 5 January next year. Why should elections be held early there? Does Hemant Soren agree with him?'

Doubling down on his criticism, Nirupam asked, 'Does UBT not want elections to be held in J&K? The Election Commission decides when elections will be held in each state based on a prescribed procedure. Election dates are not set out of stubbornness. Since when did UBT become the spokesperson for Jharkhand Mukti Morcha?' Earlier today, after the Election Commission's announcements for Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, Aditya Thackeray tweeted questioning the commission's approach, suggesting a bias against Maharashtra. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar explained that high demand for security forces in J&K is the main reason for the delay in announcing Maharashtra elections.