Raut Launches Broadside at CEC, Alleges Election Commission Undermined Democracy

MUMBAI, Sept 24 : Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, accusing the Election Commission of India (ECI) of undermining democratic institutions and alleging irregularities in the conduct of elections.

Raut described the CEC as a constitutional “mafia” and alleged that the poll panel had become a “slaughterhouse of democracy”.

Referring to reported differences within the Election Commission, Raut claimed that two election commissioners had raised formal objections over what he described as arbitrary decisions and the deletion of data during special revision processes.

He also alleged that the CEC’s actions were linked to directives from Union Home Minister Amit Shah and demanded the resignation of those responsible, along with accountability for decisions taken by the poll body.

Raut further alleged that elections in Maharashtra, Bihar and West Bengal had been compromised and urged opposition parties to launch protests and challenge what he described as institutional manipulation.

The Election Commission has previously rejected allegations questioning the integrity of the electoral process, maintaining that elections are conducted in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions.