'One-Man Autocracy' Under CEC, Gyanesh Kumar Must Be Removed: Oppn After Report on Differences in Poll Panel
Two commissioners formally objected 14 times in 10 months as the voter-list revision drew allegations of bias toward the BJP.
- The Indian Express investigation revealed Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi formally objected at least 14 times over 10 months to decisions made by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar without their knowledge.
- Gyanesh Kumar, a 62-year-old 1988-batch IAS officer, is the first CEC appointed under a new law granting the government selection panel advantages; he previously served in the Home Ministry under Amit Shah during the Article 370 abrogation.
- Opposition parties, led by Congress, accuse Kumar of favoring the BJP, citing his 19-month tenure's controversial Special Intensive Revision of voter lists; the poll panel dismissed these allegations as "misleading."
- Amid the political storm, Kumar challenged Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, to substantiate his allegations of "vote chori" or "apologise to the nation" for the claims.
- The opacity in the commission's functioning eventually forced Kumar's two colleagues on the three-member panel to write to the Cabinet Secretary to flag their concerns regarding the decision-making process.
22 Articles
22 Articles
'Why did ECs seek appointment with cabinet secretary'
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi has highlighted a report indicating internal differences within the Election Commission of India, questioning why two Election Commissioners reportedly sought an appointment with the Cabinet Secretary. She alleged centralisation of power, lack of transparency in voter list processes, and raised concerns over the commissioners not signing a press release, demanding an investigation into these matters.
Opposition demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's removal after internal differences over SIR
The Election Commission is facing a political row after a report claimed two Election Commissioners repeatedly raised objections over key decisions linked to the SIR process. Opposition leaders targeted CEC Gyanesh Kumar, while the Election Commission said internal observations are part of routine deliberations and that final decisions, including on SIR, were unanimous.
Gyanesh Kumar Has Lost Administrative, Moral Right to Continue as CEC: Congress
Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. Congress on Wednesday said that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has "lost all administrative and moral right to continue in office” alleging that he has been “brutally exposed by his own two colleagues” and that the opposition parties will press for impeachment of the CEC. India News | Gyanesh Kumar Has Lost Administrative, Moral Right to Continue as CEC: Congress.
<p style="text-align: justify;">Reports of differences within the Election Commission regarding the SIR erupted on Wednesday (September 23). Opposition parties are attacking the government and demanding the resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has clarified reports of differences among Election Commissioners, stating that differing opinions are normal.</p> <p style="text-align: j…
Election Commission row: What sparked controversy over SIR? Oppn demands Gyanesh Kumar’s arrest; BJP reacts
A political controversy arose after a report indicated two Election Commissioners raised objections 14 times over 10 months over decisions affecting the electoral process. Opposition parties demanded action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of electoral manipulation.
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