The INDIA bloc is mulling to bring an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, according to multiple media reports. The move comes amid Opposition’s intensifying protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and Rahul Gandhi’s ‘vote-chori’ claims in Maharashtra, Haryana and Karnataka. The proposal for the motion was reportedly discussed at the Opposition alliance’s meeting which was held on Monday morning. Reports suggest that the INDIA bloc will start collecting signatures for the motion from Monday afternoon.
Why does INDIA bloc want to bring impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar?
The Opposition alliance has reportedly cited two key reasons behind bringing impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. As per the reports, the Opposition has claimed that their leaders have been threatened and the other reason behind the move is Election Commission alleged favouritism of the Bhartiya Janata Party.
When asked if Opposition parties plan to bring an impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain said that they have not held any discussions on it yet, as per an India TV report. However, he added that if required, the Opposition is ready to use every democratic option available under the rules.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned till 12 noon on Monday after Opposition parties protested, demanding a discussion on the voter list revision in Bihar and other issues. When the House kicked off at 11 am, MPs including those from Congress were seen shouting and raising slogans, and displaying placards calling for a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar.
Election Commission’s response on vote-theft claims
The Election Commission on Sunday rejected accusations of any kind of vote theft and tampering with the electoral rolls. At a press conference in Delhi, the Commission asked Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to either file a signed affidavit supporting his claim or withdraw it with an apology.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stressed that the Commission works fairly with all political parties, regardless of their ideology. He said the Constitution ensures that every Indian citizen above 18 has the right to vote, and the Commission’s role is to protect this right without bias.
Explaining the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Bihar, Kumar said nearly 1.6 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from different political parties are taking part in updating and checking the voter lists. The exercise is meant to fix mistakes in voter registration and involves cooperation between voters, booth officers, and political parties. A draft electoral roll has already been shared with all stakeholders, along with verified documents and signatures from party representatives.