Sanjay Raut predicts Cabinet reshuffle by early 2027, demands CEC’s resignation

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday predicted major political developments at the Centre in the coming months, claiming that the BJP-led government could be forced to undertake a major Cabinet reshuffle by January-February next year.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Raut also demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and announced details of a joint protest march in the city on October 4, to be led by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray.

The march is being organised over concerns raised by the opposition regarding the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The two Thackeray leaders have invited opposition parties to participate in the protest. The route was subsequently revised, with the march now scheduled to begin at Metro Cinema and conclude at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters following concerns raised by Mumbai Police.

Raut claimed that the political situation had changed significantly since mid-September and alleged that differences within the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had weakened the government.

He also warned against using force to suppress protests.

“Whether it is batons or bullets, they cannot stop us,” Raut said.

Raut alleged discrepancies in election administration and voter-roll updates and accused the Election Commission of bias, demanding Kumar’s resignation.

He said the October 4 march would be followed by a public rally and urged democratic forces and citizens to participate. Congress, the NCP (SP), the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) and Left parties have been listed among those supporting the protest.

Raut also said senior opposition leaders, including Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule, had been consulted during discussions on the proposed mobilisation.

The October 4 protest is part of a broader opposition campaign over the Election Commission’s handling of electoral-roll revision. The Election Commission has disputed allegations that differences among its members undermine the validity of its decisions, saying its final decisions on the SIR process were taken unanimously.