1 hr ago
TMC revives impeachment push against CEC amid Election Commission dissent
The Trinamool Congress wants Parliament to revive a motion seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The demand followed a report about disagreements inside the Election Commission of India.
The report said two election commissioners objected to some decisions connected with checking voter lists.
One disagreement involved appeals concerning voters in West Bengal.
The Trinamool Congress says these events raise concerns about the election body’s independence.
Sources from the commission say its decisions were unanimous.
The motion asks the Rajya Sabha Chairman to begin a process that could lead to Kumar’s removal.
The matter concerns how voter lists and election decisions are handled.
The Trinamool Congress renewed its call to consider a motion seeking Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s removal.
Derek O’Brien said more than 60 Rajya Sabha MPs had previously submitted the motion, exceeding the required 50-member threshold.
A report said Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi recorded at least 14 objections to decisions linked to electoral-roll revisions.
The objections reportedly included appeals involving voters cleared during West Bengal’s Special Intensive Revision process.
Election Commission sources said all decisions, including those on the revision, were unanimous and approved by all three commissioners.
- Who
- The Trinamool Congress, led in this effort by Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien, is seeking action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar; the report also names Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
- What
- The party is seeking revival of a motion asking for Kumar’s removal over alleged misconduct and concerns about decisions taken within the Election Commission of India.
- Where
- The motion is addressed to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and concerns electoral-roll revision, particularly in West Bengal.
- When
- The renewed demand was made on Wednesday, after a report disclosed alleged internal objections; the notice covers alleged conduct from March 15, 2026, onward.
- Why
- The Trinamool Congress says Kumar undermined the election body’s independence, while Election Commission sources maintain that decisions were unanimous.
Trinamool Congress and dissent concerns
Election Commission sources and unanimity claim
Internal decision-making
Trinamool Congress and dissent concerns
The Trinamool Congress says reported objections by two commissioners show that important decisions were taken without their knowledge and raise concerns about centralisation and institutional independence.
Election Commission sources and unanimity claim
Sources say all Election Commission decisions, including those concerning the Special Intensive Revision, were unanimous and approved by both Election Commissioners and the Chief Election Commissioner.
West Bengal appeals
Trinamool Congress and dissent concerns
The party points to questions about who authorised appeals involving voters already cleared by judicial officers, citing the lack of information allegedly recorded by Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.
Election Commission sources and unanimity claim
The sources cited in the article maintain that the commission’s decisions were collectively approved, without accepting the allegation that actions were unauthorised or illegal.
Effect of voter deletions
Trinamool Congress and dissent concerns
The Trinamool Congress argues that the deletion of roughly 90.8 lakh voters, concentrated disproportionately in its strongholds and Muslim-majority constituencies, significantly amplified its 2026 defeat.
Election Commission sources and unanimity claim
The article presents the deletion figures and election results as the party’s argument; it does not provide a separate Election Commission response assessing whether the deletions affected the result.
Key facts
- Motion support
- More than 60 Rajya Sabha MPs reportedly backed the earlier motion; 50 members were required.
- Reported objections
- Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi allegedly recorded at least 14 objections over 10 months.
- Main issue
- The objections reportedly concerned decisions linked to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
- West Bengal deletions
- About 90.8 lakh voters were reportedly deleted in West Bengal, roughly 12% of the electorate.
- Appeals
- Nearly 38 lakh appeals were filed after tribunals were established, including about 16.1 lakh challenging the inclusion of voters previously cleared.
- Legal basis
- The fresh notice cites Article 324(5), the 2023 Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
Quotes
Derek O'Brien
Rajya Sabha MP and senior Trinamool Congress leader
“After big news break today that two Election Commissioners objected to many of CEC's actions, it's time to bring out the RS Motion today. Impeach CEC to save democracy.”
wionews.com
“Five months ago, 60 Rajya Sabha MPs (50 needed) wrote to Chairman RS moving Motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar”
wionews.com
Sources
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