Speaking at the India Today Mumbai Conclave in an interview with Rajdeep Sardesai, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray addressed issues concerning institutional integrity, electoral processes, and governance. Thackeray voiced criticism of the Election Commission of India regarding the Special Intensive Revision process, claiming that legitimate voters were omitted from draft electoral rolls, and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Referring to past complaints from the Mumbai Northwest constituency, he contested assertions that opposition parties only question EVMs and voter lists following electoral losses. Thackeray termed the past ten years a lost decade for national employment, economic growth, and infrastructure quality, while projecting that the next general election could occur prior to 2029. He highlighted Shiv Sena (UBT)’s plan to field younger candidates, addressed Maharashtra’s civic amenities, road conditions, and drought relief measures, and affirmed support for Rahul Gandhi within the INDIA alliance.
