Union Minister Athawale Slams CJP Over CEC Resignation Demands

Union Minister Ram Vilas Athawale on Tuesday leveled sharp criticism against the Citizens for Justice Party (CJP), accusing the outfit of functioning as a politically motivated organization. Athawale's remarks came in response to CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke's call for nationwide protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Union Minister characterized the CJP's campaign as politically driven agitation, suggesting the party was being utilized for partisan ends. Athawale did not elaborate on specific grievances against the CEC but dismissed the protest movement as lacking substantive grounds.

The CJP's call for the CEC's resignation marks an escalation in recent criticism of the poll body's functioning. The party has been mobilizing support across states to pressure the government on the issue, though the specific reasons cited for demanding Kumar's ouster remain unclear from available reports.

Athawal's intervention adds a political dimension to the ongoing debate surrounding the CEC's tenure. The controversy reflects broader tensions between various political groups and constitutional authorities over governance and institutional accountability in the country.