Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday hit out at those questioning the Election Commission, saying recent statements by the poll panel’s three commissioners had countered what he described as a “fake narrative” being circulated against the institution.
Fadnavis made the remarks in Mumbai as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and other groups held a protest at Shivaji Park against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and raised allegations concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Fadnavis Says ‘Fake Narrative’ Has Been Exposed
Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said questions were still being raised against the Election Commission despite the commissioners having publicly explained their position.
“The entire matter has been exposed. Following the press conference held by the three Election Commissioners, their fake narrative has been busted,” Fadnavis said.
He added, “Yet, attempts are still being made to push this fake narrative. They will not succeed in this.”
The Chief Minister did not name individual critics in his remarks but was speaking amid the protest against the Election Commission in Mumbai.
CJP Demands Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation
The CJP has been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over its concerns about the SIR exercise and the functioning of the Election Commission.
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das accused Kumar of acting against the interests of the country and called for his removal.
“As you can see, we are starting from Mumbai today. This is going to be a very big protest,” Das said.
He also appealed to young people and Mumbai residents to join the demonstration, saying the group planned to take its campaign to other parts of the country.
The CJP has alleged irregularities in the electoral-roll revision process and has demanded greater scrutiny of the Election Commission’s decisions.
Heavy Security At Shivaji Park
A large police presence was deployed around Shivaji Park ahead of and during the demonstration.
The security arrangements were put in place as authorities anticipated a sizeable gathering and possible disruption to traffic in the surrounding areas.
The protest was also being held despite the organisers facing restrictions over the use of the venue.
Residents Raise Concerns Over Protests
The demonstration also drew objections from some residents living around Shivaji Park.
Local residents said repeated political gatherings at the venue have affected their daily routines, particularly for people who use the park for morning and evening walks.
Resident Sunil Bhagwat questioned whether the concerns of people living in the area were being considered while allowing large demonstrations.
“We come here for walks in this park, but many protests have been happening here recently. Who is responsible for the troubles being caused to the common people?” Bhagwat said.
He also questioned whether the organisers had considered the impact of the demonstrations on other residents.
Another local resident, Ravindra, raised concerns about traffic congestion and inconvenience caused during previous gatherings.
He also pointed to the presence of schools and a hospital near the area and said large protests could create difficulties for residents, pedestrians and commuters.
SIR Remains At Centre Of Political Dispute
The Mumbai protest comes amid a wider political dispute over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Opposition parties, activists and civil society groups have raised concerns about the possibility of eligible voters being left out during the revision process.
The Election Commission has maintained that the revision exercise is being conducted under the applicable legal framework and is aimed at ensuring accurate electoral rolls.
The latest protests in Mumbai are part of a broader campaign by groups demanding accountability from the Election Commission and seeking changes to the way electoral-roll revisions are carried out.
