India: Calls grow to oust Chief Election Commissioner as opposition moves fresh motion
New Delhi: India’s opposition has intensified its campaign seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, raising the issue once again in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament.
According to Kashmir Media Service, 73 opposition Members of Parliament submitted a fresh petition to the Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha, demanding the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner. The notice was jointly presented by senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose.
Earlier on March 12, opposition parties had also submitted impeachment motions against Kumar in both Houses of Parliament, with 130 MPs in the Lok Sabha and 63 in the Rajya Sabha.
Several opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Rashtriya Janata Dal, have levelled strong allegations against Kumar, accusing him of partisan bias and undermining the neutrality of the Election Commission of India.
Jairam Ramesh told reporters that the petition lists nine serious allegations against the Chief Election Commissioner, supported by documentary evidence. He said the charges relate to actions taken since March 15 this year, which, according to him, amount to “proven misconduct” under constitutional provisions.
He described the continued tenure of the Chief Election Commissioner as an “attack on the Constitution”, arguing that it undermines the dignity of democratic institutions.
Ramesh further said that the Chief Election Commissioner is working under pressure from the BJP-led government, calling the situation “deeply alarming” and damaging to democratic norms.
Critics have also raised questions over Gyanesh Kumar’s appointment process and previous bureaucratic roles, alleging concerns over institutional independence.
