Fadnavis calls Thackeray cousins 'Ghajini' over protest march
· India · The Hindu, India Today
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on October 4, 2026, dismissed a protest march led by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray in Mumbai as an expression of frustration after electoral rejection. He described the leaders as 'Ghajinis', referencing the 2008 film where the protagonist loses memory every 15 minutes, arguing their claims about the Election Commission affecting past elections were illogical. The march, which began at Metro Cinema and ended at the BMC headquarters in south Mumbai, saw thin attendance despite hype, according to Fadnavis. Congress and NCP (SP) leaders also participated in the rally seeking the ouster of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Fadnavis asserted that Gyanesh Kumar became Chief Election Commissioner in 2025, while Maharashtra elections were held in 2024 and the Special Investigation Report (SIR) began in 2026, making their claims baseless. He added that one should try to sound believable while speaking lies, accusing the Thackerays of blatant falsehoods.
Why it matters
The exchange deepens political tensions in Maharashtra ahead of future elections, highlighting the clash between the ruling BJP-led alliance and opposition factions led by the Thackeray cousins. It underscores how electoral disputes are being framed around institutional credibility, potentially influencing public perception of the Election Commission's role.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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