Chirag Paswan on Election Commission row: 'Will not defend anyone'
Synopsis
A crack within the ruling alliance: NDA partner Chirag Paswan publicly refused to defend the Election Commission on government loyalty grounds alone, insisting CEC Gyanesh Kumar must address public concerns directly — even as Congress workers clashed with barricades in Patna demanding the CEC's resignation. It is a rare moment of intra-coalition candour on a constitutional flashpoint.
Key Takeaways
Chirag Paswan , Union Minister and LJP (Ram Vilas) chief, said he will not defend the Election Commission simply because he is part of the government.
He called on CEC Gyanesh Kumar to 'firmly present his side' and take the public into confidence.
Congress workers led by Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram held a protest march in Patna on 25 September 2026 demanding Gyanesh Kumar 's resignation.
Police deployed barricades near the Secretariat police station ; a water cannon ran out of water but protesters held their ground.
The controversy is part of a wider political confrontation over the functioning and accountability of the Election Commission of India .
Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on 25 September 2026 said the Election Commission of India (ECI) must address the questions being raised against it, distancing himself from any instinct to shield the institution simply because he is part of the ruling government. His remarks came amid protests in Patna demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
What Paswan Said
'I don't know. As part of the government, I will not defend anyone. The Election Commission is an independent constitutional institution. If questions are being raised about the Commission, I believe it is the responsibility of the Election Commission — and especially the CEC — to firmly present his side,' Paswan said, speaking to reporters in Patna.
He added that the poll panel should not limit its response to appeasing the Opposition. 'The CEC should not act merely to appease the Opposition; instead, the Commission should take the public into confidence. That is the beauty of democracy,' he said.
On the Opposition's Allegations
Paswan acknowledged that raising allegations against the government and institutions is part of the Opposition's political role, and said he was not overly concerned by those statements. 'I am not overly concerned about what the Opposition says or does not say. Engaging in politics is the Opposition's job; if they don't make allegations, how will they pursue their politics?' he said. However, he drew a distinction between political point-scoring and genuine public accountability, arguing the ECI owes a clear explanation to citizens rather than to rival parties.
Congress Workers Protest in Patna
Congress workers took to the streets in Patna on 25 September demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The protest march was led by Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram and was stopped near the gate of the Secretariat police station after police deployed barricades. A large number of party workers raised slogans during the demonstration, and security personnel were deployed across the area.
Notably, a water cannon deployed by the administration ran out of water at one point, yet Congress workers continued their demonstration and held their ground on the demands. The protesters remained at the spot despite the barricades.
The Wider Political Controversy
The protests and Paswan's remarks are part of a broader political confrontation over the functioning of the Election Commission. Opposition parties have been raising questions about the poll body's decisions and demanding greater accountability from the constitutional institution. This is not the first time the ECI has faced such pressure — similar demands surfaced ahead of recent state election cycles, though the current controversy has drawn responses from within the ruling coalition itself, making Paswan's candid remarks especially significant.
With scrutiny of the Election Commission intensifying and at least one NDA ally now publicly calling on the CEC to engage with public concerns, the poll body faces mounting pressure to respond — not just to the Opposition, but to a broader national audience.
Point of View
The vacuum will be filled by more protests and louder calls for structural reform of how CECs are appointed and held accountable — a debate the ruling bloc would rather avoid.
NationPress
25 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Chirag Paswan say about the Election Commission controversy?
Chirag Paswan said he would not defend the Election Commission simply because he is part of the government, and called on CEC Gyanesh Kumar to 'firmly present his side' and take the public into confidence. He stressed that the poll body should address concerns raised by citizens, not merely respond to Opposition demands.
Who is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar?
Congress workers in Patna, led by Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram, held a protest march on 25 September 2026 demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. The protest is part of a broader Opposition-led campaign questioning the functioning and decisions of the Election Commission of India.
What happened during the Congress protest in Patna?
The protest march was stopped by police near the Secretariat police station using barricades. A water cannon deployed by the administration ran out of water, but Congress workers continued their demonstration and held their ground. Security personnel were deployed throughout the area.
Why is the Election Commission facing political controversy?
Opposition parties have raised questions about the Election Commission's decisions and are demanding greater accountability from the constitutional body. The controversy has escalated to a point where even NDA ally Chirag Paswan has publicly said the CEC must address the concerns rather than rely on the government to defend him.
What is the significance of Paswan's remarks given his position in government?
Paswan is a Union Minister and a key NDA ally. His refusal to provide political cover for the Election Commission is notable because it signals that the controversy has moved beyond routine Opposition criticism and into the ruling coalition itself, adding pressure on the CEC to respond publicly.
