03 October,2026 03:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut. File pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday claimed that major political developments could take place at the Centre over the next three months and predicted that the BJP-led government may be compelled to carry out a major Cabinet reshuffle by January or February next year.
Speaking to the media in Mumbai, Raut also demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and announced a joint opposition protest march scheduled for October 4.
Raut said the protest march will be led by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. The rally has the backing of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and other opposition groups.
The planned mobilisation marks a joint appearance by the Thackeray cousins, who head separate political parties, over issues concerning the Election Commission of India, according to Raut.
He said the march will begin at 11 am from Metro Cinema and conclude at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters. A public rally will follow the march.
The protest has been supported by the Congress, NCP (SP), Peasants and Workers Party and the Left Front, Raut said.
Raut claimed that the political situation in the country had changed since mid-September and alleged that internal differences within the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh had weakened the government.
He also warned against attempts to suppress dissent and said police action or the use of force would not prevent people from participating in protests.
"Whether it is batons or bullets, they cannot stop us."
Raut alleged discrepancies in election administration and voter roll updates and accused the Election Commission of bias. He reiterated his demand for Kumar's immediate resignation.
He said senior opposition leaders, including NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule, had been consulted during discussions among the opposition parties over the protest.
Raut appealed to democratic groups and citizens to participate in the October 4 march, describing it as an important movement over what he characterised as concerns about democratic institutions and alleged state overreach.
The protest route was changed from its original plan because of technical bottlenecks along the earlier stretch, he said.
(With inputs from IANS)
