CEC Row: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale Says No Question Of Gyanesh Kumar's Resignation*

New Delhi, Oct 07, 2026 : Union Minister and Republican Party of India (A) chief Ramdas Athawale has said that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will not resign, no matter how much pressure is applied.

Speaking to Abhijeet Deepke, the NDA minister said, "Gyanesh Kumar will not resign, do whatever you want to do."

Athawale, who has in the past invited Deepke to join his party, said that the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) should not launch an agitation against the CEC.

The statement comes amid growing demands from opposition parties and civil society groups for CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, alleging bias in the conduct of elections. The government and NDA have firmly backed the CEC, calling the demands politically motivated.

Athawale reiterated that the Election Commission is an independent constitutional body and will continue to function as per its mandate.