He also raised concerns about restrictions on peaceful demonstrations, the use of state force against protesters and what he described as weakening autonomy within constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission.
Thackeray warned against social media propaganda and “WhatsApp Universities”, saying such channels could compromise independent thinking and public awareness.
Citizens remained sovereign in a democratic republic, he said, stressing that public participation, protest marches and political movements were necessary to hold governments accountable. Gandhi’s methods of peaceful resistance and moral courage, he added, remained central to the health of Indian democracy.
His remarks came ahead of his 4 October protest march announced jointly with Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray.
At a joint press conference on Tuesday, the two leaders outlined plans for the demonstration against the Election Commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The parties have accused the poll body of acting as an extension of the ruling party and misleading voters through the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Raj Thackeray said he had raised concerns about electronic voting machines and alleged electoral malpractice for years, including during meetings with political leaders in 2017–18.
He described the forthcoming march as a protest against the humiliation of voters and the undermining of electoral integrity, adding that the parties would set out their position from the stage on 4 October.
With IANS inputs
