Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 25 (ANI): Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday launched a sharp attack on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the ongoing controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the Election Commission was complicit in the "betrayal of the nation" and saying Kumar should "turn approver".
Addressing a press conference, Raut also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that "Shah and Modi are the real culprits responsible for the state of the nation."
"Authoritarian decisions have been taken in every sector, and democracy has been murdered," Raut said.
He further said, "Indira Gandhi was the greatest guardian of democracy. Had she wished, she could have won elections through fraud, but she chose not to and accepted defeat."
Raut alleged that institutions had been captured, saying, "A mafia-like gang has captured all institutions. Everyone, including the President and the Supreme Court, has been reduced to servitude."
"Change will come in 2029. Even if their own fathers were to step down [to stop it], the change would still happen," he added.
He also referred to an earlier notice seeking impeachment proceedings against the CEC, saying that it had been rejected by the Rajya Sabha Chairman.
"A notice for impeachment against Gyanesh Kumar was submitted earlier but was rejected by the Rajya Sabha Chairman; now, it cannot be dismissed," Raut said.
"If Modi and Shah do not intend to attend Parliament, then lock up the Parliament," he added.
Raut's remarks came amid a political row over The Indian Express report that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had objected at least 14 times over 10 months to decisions and orders related to the SIR process.
The Election Commission, however, has rejected the assertion that the objections recorded by the two Election Commissioners represented institutional dissent over final decisions. The poll panel said operational queries, internal feedback and administrative suggestions during the drafting stage were standard practice.
The Election Commission has said that ECINet is a secure, decentralised digital platform operationalised under the Representation of the People Acts of 1950 and 1951. It said statutory duties on ECINet are carried out by designated election officials, including BLOs, AEROs, EROs, DEOs and CEOs, using unique IDs and secure credentials.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged with "100 per cent certainty" that elections, including the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and several state Assembly elections, had been "rigged". He demanded Kumar's resignation and alleged irregularities in the electoral process.
On Gyanesh Kumar, Raut said, "It would be appropriate for Gyanesh Kumar to turn approver... Rahul is compassionate and works in the national interest."
"The Election Commission is also complicit in the betrayal of the nation. The identity of the person who exerted pressure must be revealed," Raut said.
He further said, "A just government will be formed in 2029. Kick the traitors of the country; we will chase those scoundrels down and thrash them. I will be the first to throw a shoe."
On Abhijeet Dipke-led student protests at Jantar Mantar, Raut said, "The India that has emerged post-Jantar Mantar is different; it is not the kind of India that can be silenced or drugged into submission. The youth are on the streets. A force of the elderly has also stepped out, and we stand with them," he said.
On Maharashtra drought relief, Raut said the issue should be discussed after the announcement of a loan waiver.
"We will discuss this once the loan waiver is announced. Who actually received the waiver? We must look at this issue rising above politics. A meeting of all parties should be convened. Drought relief is not a BJP event," Raut said.
The Maharashtra government has maintained that it is taking immediate steps to address the drought-like situation. Fadnavis has said the Cabinet sub-committee will review the situation weekly and oversee mitigation measures, while the state is also preparing information required to seek assistance from the Centre.
On Ganpati Visarjan, Raut said, "Ganpati is an inspiration for democracy. He symbolizes the spirit of India as a union of states and a republic. Therefore, the dictatorship in this country must also come to an end."
Today marks the last day of the 10-day Ganeshotsav festival, celebrated as Anant Chaturdashi or Ganesh Visarjan. On this day, devotees perform a final aarti and take out large public and private processions to immerse Lord Ganesha idols in water bodies, marking the culmination of the festival. (ANI)
"Will throw first shoe at traitors": Sanjay Raut's backs Rahul Gandhi, says CEC should 'turn approver'
