Gyanesh Kumar: An INDIA bloc delegation led by Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Mamata Banerjee is heading to Rashtrapati Bhavan to meet President Droupadi Murmu. The Opposition wants her to intervene and seek the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Delegation Capped at 10
The meeting was scheduled for 10 am on Friday. The Opposition had sought an appointment for 15 leaders, but only 10 members were permitted. Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and Mamata Banerjee were among the expected members. The rest were to be decided after consultation within the alliance.
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Why the Opposition Wants Him Out
The parties are demanding Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and their wider allegation of “vote theft.” They have also demanded an in-depth inquiry into voter deletions.
Four Days of Protest
Friday marked the fourth consecutive day of protest by Opposition MPs. The earlier days saw marches, barricades and detentions. Rahul Gandhi said about 300 MPs had been trying to protest for two days without being allowed to. On Thursday, Opposition leaders held a silent protest at Raj Ghat. Kharge said the MPs would pray for “wisdom” for the BJP government.
How a CEC Can Be Removed
The Constitution doesn’t use the word “impeachment” for a CEC. A CEC can be removed on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. The President acts on a resolution passed by both Houses of Parliament, with a two-thirds majority of members present and voting and more than 50% of each House’s total strength. Opposition leaders have earlier acknowledged that they lack the numbers.
Background
Gyanesh Kumar became the 26th CEC in February 2025. He was picked by a panel that included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Rahul Gandhi, who had submitted a dissent note. Earlier, Kumar had asked Rahul Gandhi to produce evidence of “vote theft” under oath or apologise. The Opposition called that press conference a “declaration of war.”
