Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Sunday dismissed Opposition demands for Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, defending the poll chief against allegations of electoral irregularities and warning protesters against violating restrictions at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
On the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Athawale reiterated the Union Government’s position, referring to Home Minister Amit Shah’s assurance in Parliament that statehood would be restored at the appropriate time. He maintained that Article 370 had been lawfully abrogated and said the restoration of statehood would depend on the situation stabilising in the region.
“Whoever goes to Jantar Mantar will have to go to jail”, he said, referring to the police action that halted an Opposition protest march towards the site in New Delhi. Athawale also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s claims about “stolen votes”, pointing to the Congress party’s increase in its Lok Sabha tally from 40–42 seats to 99 seats.
The Union minister urged Opposition parties to stop targeting constitutional authorities and focus instead on issues such as student welfare and educational reforms, particularly in the wake of controversies over examination paper leaks.
Taking aim at Opposition parties and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Athawale said strict restrictions had been imposed at Jantar Mantar and warned that those who defied the law and order requirements could face arrest.
