In a significant development in Maharashtra's political landscape, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) are closing ranks to jointly protest against the Election Commission of India (ECI). Alleging irregularities in the voter lists and a lack of transparency in the electoral process, the opposition parties have announced a massive rally, named 'Virat Morcha,' scheduled for November 1 in Mumbai.

The decision to hold a joint rally follows multiple meetings between representatives of the MVA, MNS, and EC officials. Dissatisfied with the responses from the poll body, the opposition has decided to take the issue to the streets. The MVA comprises Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP). The joint front signifies a growing unity among regional parties who feel they are being deliberately targeted.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut addressed a joint press conference, stating that the 'Virat Morcha' would be held in Mumbai under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray, and senior Congress leaders. Raut asserted that lakhs of voters across the state have been deprived of their right to vote and would participate in the Morcha.

The opposition has raised concerns over discrepancies in voter names and addresses, irregularities in the verification process, and the perceived withholding of crucial information by the EC. MNS President Raj Thackeray has alleged that nearly 96 lakh fake voters have been added to the state's electoral rolls ahead of the local body elections and is demanding a complete clean-up of the voters' list before any polls are held. Thackeray called the alleged manipulation a mockery of democracy.

NCP leader Jayant Patil stressed the importance of transparency in a democracy and urged those who wish to safeguard democracy to participate in the Morcha. MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar, who returned to Shiv Sena Bhavan after 24 years for the event, stated that the EC has issued instructions to district magistrates, acknowledging the shortcomings. He added that the MNS would urge all Maharashtrians to join the Morcha, emphasizing that they have come together because they want to save democracy.

Congress's Sachin Sawant said the ECI's refusal to engage with Opposition concerns was detrimental to democracy. Mr. Jayant Patil of NCP (SP) said the November 1 protest would reflect public outrage and that they expect the poll body to rectify its mistake. Patil added that even ruling parties were welcome to join the morcha if they stood for democratic integrity.

The 'Virat Morcha' is expected to draw large crowds, highlighting growing public concern over electoral transparency in the state. The rally is viewed as a show of strength by the opposition and a demonstration of their collective resolve to address the alleged irregularities in the electoral process.