Sanjay Raut Predicts Cabinet Reshuffle by Early 2027, Demands CEC's Resignation

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Raut also called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and announced details of a joint opposition protest scheduled for October 4, which will be led by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray.

The proposed march is centred on opposition concerns regarding the functioning of the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The Thackeray cousins had earlier announced the October 4 protest and invited other opposition parties to participate.

Raut claimed that political developments since mid-September had altered the situation at the Centre and alleged that differences within the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh had weakened the government. These claims were part of his assessment of the political situation and were not independently established in his remarks.

He also warned that attempts to use police action or force against protesters would not prevent demonstrations, as he called for continued public mobilisation.

Raut reiterated his demand for Kumar's resignation, citing what he described as irregularities in election administration and concerns surrounding the updating of voter rolls. Opposition parties have been publicly raising similar concerns over the Election Commission's handling of the Special Intensive Revision process, while the Election Commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing.

The October 4 march is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and conclude near the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters, followed by a public meeting. Raut said the route had been modified because of logistical issues along the originally proposed stretch.

Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), the Peasants and Workers Party and Left parties have been invited to support the mobilisation. Raut also said senior opposition leaders, including Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule, had been consulted during discussions over broader coordination.

The planned march comes amid a series of protests by opposition groups and other organisations over the Election Commission and electoral-roll revision process.

Raut appealed to opposition parties and members of the public to participate in the October 4 demonstration, describing it as an effort to raise concerns about electoral institutions and democratic processes.