Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut has made serious allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, asserting that the Election Commission is implicated in a “betrayal of the nation.” During a press conference on September 25, Raut called for Kumar to “turn approver” in light of ongoing controversies surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Raut launched a scathing broadside not only at Kumar but also at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, whom he labelled as the “real culprits” adversely affecting the state of the nation. He accused the current governance of making “authoritarian decisions” that, according to him, have resulted in the “murder” of democracy.

Referencing historical figures, Raut remarked that Indira Gandhi was “the greatest guardian of democracy,” suggesting that she could have manipulated elections but chose to accept defeat instead. He claimed that the political landscape has been compromised, asserting that a mafia-like group has taken control of key institutions, diminishing their independence, including the roles of the President and the Supreme Court.

Concerns Over Electoral Integrity

The backdrop to Raut’s comments includes a political controversy sparked by a report from The Indian Express, which indicated that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi raised objections a total of 14 times over ten months related to decisions made on the SIR process. The Election Commission has denied this represented institutional dissent, asserting that internal feedback and operational queries are standard practice in its decision-making process.

In a separate development, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has asserted, with what he described as “100 per cent certainty,” that elections scheduled for 2024, including the Lok Sabha polls and various state Assembly elections, have been “rigged.” He has also demanded the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar, alleging significant irregularities in the electoral process.

Raut supported Gandhi’s accusations, reiterating that the Election Commission must be investigated for its complicity in these issues. He expressed a desire for all figures exerting pressure within the Commission to be identified, underscoring the gravity of the claims made against the electoral body.

Raut’s Comments on Protests and Drought Relief

In response to recent student-led protests at Jantar Mantar, Raut noted a transformation in the socio-political landscape of India. He stated that the current generation refuses to be silenced or subdued, proclaiming, “The youth are on the streets” alongside older generations in a show of solidarity against perceived injustices.

On the matter of drought relief in Maharashtra, Raut suggested a discussion on this issue should take place after announcements regarding loan waivers are made. He emphasised the need for a collective political approach, advocating for a meeting involving all parties to address the drought relief efforts, which he asserted should not be politically motivated.

The Maharashtra government has announced that it is taking immediate steps to tackle the drought-like conditions within the state. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis indicated that a Cabinet sub-committee will be monitoring the situation regularly and implementing mitigation measures, while also preparing necessary documentation for assistance from the central government.

On the occasion of Ganpati Visarjan, marking the final day of the Ganeshotsav festival, Raut expressed that Lord Ganesha serves as an inspiration for democracy, representing the spirit of unity in India. He called for an end to what he described as the prevailing dictatorship in the country, tying the festival’s significance to the importance of democratic values.

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