The Congress and opposition parties are considering bringing an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The dispute stems from the Election Commission's warning to the opposition during a press conference and questions related to voter data. The proposal was discussed at the India Bloc meeting on August 5th.
New Delhi: The Congress and the opposition are considering a motion against the CEC. At the India Bloc meeting, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge proposed bringing an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This move comes amid heightened tensions following the Election Commission's recent warning to the opposition and Rahul Gandhi's presentation in recent days.
Opposition's Allegation: Bias of the Election Commission
The Congress and other opposition parties have been leveling serious allegations against the Election Commission for a long time. Rahul Gandhi recently presented a detailed presentation on this matter, in which he alleged that the Election Commission is working in favor of the BJP and not giving proper representation to opposition voters. Tension has increased in the political atmosphere after this presentation.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge spoke of bringing an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner in the India Bloc meeting. However, only the proposal was brought up in the meeting and no final decision has been taken on it yet.
Election Commission's Stand: Warning and Defense
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar presented his side by holding a press conference on Sunday. He said that allegations being made against the Election Commission such as "vote theft" and "rigging" are false and the commission is neither afraid of them nor the voters. He gave a clear warning to all political parties that it is not appropriate to make allegations without proof.
The Election Commission also said that the commission monitors the registration of political parties and their relations with the executive. All parties are equal in their view, and no one is biased against. The Chief Election Commissioner said that if any party has evidence of irregularities, then they should present it before the commission, only making allegations will not achieve anything.
Reason for Impeachment
The main reason for the displeasure against the Chief Election Commissioner in the India alliance meeting is being considered to be his press conference. The commission had directed the opposition parties to file an affidavit within a week and present all the evidence. The opposition believes that this step is undermining the dignity of the constitutional post.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said that if the Chief Election Commissioner does not hold a similar press conference against the leaders of the BJP, then it gives rise to a feeling of bias. He says that this attitude of the Election Commission is not in accordance with the dignity of the constitutional post.
Supreme Court Order and SIR Controversy
The background of this dispute also includes the decision of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court had ordered to make public the names of 6.5 million people under SIR in Bihar. The Congress is also targeting the Election Commission on this decision and its implementation.
Rahul Gandhi alleged that in states like Bihar and Karnataka, the Election Commission works in favor of the BJP and rigging is done in elections through new voters. He says that the Election Commission should prove its claim of being impartial.
Political Stir and Potential Impeachment
The proposal to bring an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner in the India alliance meeting has increased political activity. Although no final decision has been taken yet, political analysts believe that this step is a serious indication for the balance of Indian democracy and constitutional institutions.
Opposition leaders say that if the Election Commission does not improve its attitude and does not respond properly to the allegations of the opposition, then the impeachment motion can be taken forward seriously.
