‘Remove Gyanesh Kumar, Scrap SIR’: Chetan Pawar

October 8, 2026 Editor

INDIA bloc stages march to Pimpri-Chinchwad tehsil office; demands ballot-paper elections

Pimpri : Shiv Sena (UBT) Pimpri-Chinchwad city chief Chetan Pawar on Thursday demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, immediate scrapping of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and a return to ballot-paper-based elections in the country.

Pawar was addressing a protest march organised by Shiv Sena (UBT) along with constituents of the INDIA bloc against the SIR process, the functioning of the Election Commission and what the protesters described as attempts to undermine democratic institutions. The march culminated at the Pimpri-Chinchwad tehsil office, where a large number of Shiv Sainiks, office-bearers and workers of allied parties, social activists and citizens participated.

Raising questions over the process of appointment of election commissioners, Pawar claimed that changes made to the appointment mechanism in recent years had removed the participation of the Chief Justice of India from the selection process. He further claimed that questions had been raised before the Supreme Court over the legality of Gyanesh Kumar’s appointment.

Alleging that the BJP had centralised powers relating to the Election Commission for political gains, Pawar said such a situation could adversely affect the democratic process. He demanded that Kumar step down from his post and face legal action.

Pawar opposes SIR exercise

Pawar also criticised the changes allegedly made to the SIR process and claimed that the exercise could affect voters’ rights. He alleged that the process had resulted in further centralisation of powers and said several complaints had been raised against it. “The independence of the Election Commission and public confidence in the electoral process must be protected. Any attempt to interfere with the democratic process will not be tolerated,” Pawar said. He demanded that the SIR exercise be stopped immediately and completely scrapped.

Protesters raise slogans

The protestors raised slogans such as “Remove Gyanesh Kumar”, “Stop SIR” and “Hold elections through ballot papers” during the march. Pawar said the agitation would be intensified until transparency and impartiality were ensured in the electoral process. He reiterated the demand for Kumar’s resignation, legal action against him and complete withdrawal of the SIR exercise.