CJP protest and Gyanesh Kumar’s stance explained by Athawale

New Mumbai, September 3 – Ramdas Athawale, central minister of state and leader of the Republican Party of India (A), gave a detailed response to the recent CJP agitation led by Abhijit Deepke and the subsequent demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.

Athawale argued that repeatedly demanding a resignation over every alleged mistake does not help resolve the underlying issues. He said that while protestors can raise their concerns, only concrete legal steps will correct the voter‑list anomalies. He cited a previous incident where a protest resulted in the resignation of a different official, but warned that such outcomes cannot be expected as a rule.

Recalling his own activist past, Athawale mentioned that police had arrested him multiple times, and that continuous symbolic gestures will only lead to more police action, not to the resolution of the grievance.

He also took issue with recent statements targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that citizens have the right to demand accountability, but making unfounded predictions about the Prime Minister’s actions is not appropriate. He advised Deepke to avoid such commentary.

Regarding the resignation demand, Athawale confirmed that Gyanesh Kumar will not step down and that protestors are free to continue their demonstrations within legal limits.

The Election Commission has already set in motion a procedure for voters whose names were mistakenly omitted from the electoral roll to have them re‑entered. This system is operational, making further calls for the CEC’s resignation unnecessary.

Athawale also voiced disappointment over the RPI’s marginal role in Maharashtra’s political appointments. He urged that at least two chairperson positions in upcoming corporations be allocated to the RPI and that one of the five MLC seats filled through the Governor’s quota be given to the party. He called for RPI representation in district, taluka and state committees.