A day after Election Commissioner Arun Goel`s resignation, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday claimed the Election Commission of India is no longer an autonomous watchdog, but works as an extended branch of the ruling BJP, reported news agency PTI.

The opposition NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar said Goel`s sudden resignation ahead of the Lok Sabha polls appeared suspicious.