Archive · 21 Nov 2025
Opposition Considers Impeaching CEC; Government Blocks Parliament Discussion
The opposition in India is thinking about trying to remove the head of the election commission because they think there were problems with the voting in Bihar.
They say the election commission hasn't answered their questions about these problems.
To remove the head, they need to get many other people to agree with them.
The government is stopping Parliament from discussing these problems.
Opposition bloc led by Congress mulls impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Concerns include EVMs, voter lists, and SIR process in Bihar elections
Opposition alleges bias and political interference in election process
Congress explores constitutional options due to EC's failure to address questions
Impeachment motion requires substantial support from both houses of Parliament
- Who
- Opposition bloc led by Congress, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Narendra Modi-led coalition
- What
- Considering impeachment motion against CEC, blocking Parliament discussion on ECI
- When
- During the upcoming winter session of Parliament
- Where
- Parliament of India, Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu
- Why
- Concerns over Bihar election process, government's refusal to discuss ECI, selective application of Model Code of Conduct
Opposition Bloc
Government
Election Transparency
Opposition Bloc
Opposition argues that the EC has failed to address long-standing questions and concerns about the election process in Bihar and other states, including the use of EVMs, voter lists, and the SIR process. They also allege that the government is blocking Parliament from discussing these issues.
Government
Government claims that Parliamentary rules do not allow for a debate on constitutional authorities and that the EC is not accountable to Parliament. They also argue that schemes launched during the lame-duck period are not violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
Cash-for-Vote Schemes
Opposition Bloc
Opposition argues that the EC has remained silent on cash-for-vote schemes, allowing open vote-buying in favor of the ruling party. They also allege that the EC's approach has changed, with the same commission that postponed elections in Tamil Nadu now remaining silent on similar practices in Bihar and Maharashtra.
Government
Government has not publicly engaged with these concerns, allowing questions about the EC's accountability and the integrity of the election process.
- Election
- Bihar Assembly Elections, 2017 Tamil Nadu Assembly bypoll, 2023 Rajasthan Assembly elections
- Opposition Bloc
- Led by Congress, including Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), AITC, SP, DMK, AAP, RJD, JMM
- CEC
- Gyanesh Kumar
- Concerns
- EVMs, voter lists, Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, cash-for-vote practices, selective application of Model Code of Conduct
- Parliament Session
- Upcoming winter session
- Impeachment Motion
- Requires substantial support from both houses
- Model Code of Conduct
- Applies during elections, prohibits government from announcing new schemes or transferring funds
