He also refuted the ruling BJP’s allegation of “appeasement politics” with regards to voters list irregularities and said the Shiv Sena (UBT) and other Opposition party have not referred to any bogus voter by religion.

Addressing a press conference, Thackeray alleged the Election Commission and the Union government were “scared of Gen Z”, claiming those turning 18 after July 1 will be deprived of their right to vote as the poll panel has set a cut-off date of July 1 for voter eligibility in the upcoming local body elections.

“The Election Commission should rectify errors, including duplicate and bogus names, in the voters’ list. Neither Shiv Sena (UBT) nor any other opposition party has referred to any bogus voter by religion. We are not opposing elections but want them to be held only after the rolls are cleaned,” Thackeray said.

He appealed to citizens to visit the nearest Shiv Sena (UBT) ‘shakha’ (locality offices) and verify whether their names are listed correctly and if any errors or omissions have occurred.

“We are opening centres for voters’ convenience. People must check whether they can vote in their polling stations so that we know how many youngsters are being deprived of voting rights,” the former chief minister said.

Taking a swipe at BJP leader Ashish Shelar, Thackeray said the minister had “shown courage” by “unknowingly” calling Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis “Maharashtra’s Pappu” for not acknowledging irregularities in the voters’ list.

Thackeray alleged there were rifts within the BJP over the issue.