4 hrs ago
Opposition Intensifies Impeachment Demand Against CEC Over SIR
Opposition parties are asking Parliament to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
They say the Election Commission made improper decisions during an SIR exercise.
A report said the other two election commissioners had objected to some decisions and were not fully informed.
Opposition leaders say this could harm people’s right to vote.
They also say the Election Commission must remain independent from the government and political parties.
Some leaders want the SIR process stopped immediately.
Others are asking for investigations, arrests or new elections in certain states.
The impeachment request submitted by 73 opposition lawmakers is still pending, according to Congress leaders.
INDIA bloc parties intensified demands to impeach Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar after revelations about objections within the Election Commission during the SIR drive.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said a motion submitted by 73 opposition Rajya Sabha MPs on April 24, 2026, remains pending.
Opposition leaders alleged that the SIR process and related decisions threatened voting rights, institutional independence and democratic accountability.
Several parties demanded that the SIR exercise stop, while some called for investigations, arrests, fresh elections or repolls in states affected by alleged irregularities.
The CPI(M) called for a new system to appoint election commissioners, involving the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and Chief Justice of India.
- Who
- INDIA bloc opposition parties and leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, M.K. Stalin and Uddhav Thackeray, are demanding action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- What
- They are seeking Kumar’s impeachment or removal and demanding that the SIR process be halted, citing alleged irregularities and internal objections within the Election Commission.
- Where
- The demands were raised in Parliament-related proceedings, media conferences in several cities and statements concerning elections in states including Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Haryana, Delhi and Tamil Nadu.
- When
- The campaign intensified on Wednesday; Kharge referred to an impeachment notice submitted on April 24, 2026, while other notices were filed on March 12.
- Why
- Opposition leaders allege that the SIR process and other Election Commission decisions threaten voting rights, democratic institutions and the commission’s independence.
Key facts
- Central figure
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Impeachment notice
- Mallikarjun Kharge said 73 opposition Rajya Sabha MPs submitted a notice on April 24, 2026.
- Earlier notices
- Derek O’Brien said opposition notices were filed in both Houses on March 12 and rejected.
- Main demand
- Opposition parties want Kumar removed from office; some leaders also demanded his arrest and prosecution.
- SIR demand
- The CPI(M), DMK and other opposition leaders called for the SIR process to be stopped.
- Election demands
- Arvind Kejriwal sought fresh elections in Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal and Haryana; Uddhav Thackeray sought nullification and repolls in Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
- Appointment proposal
- The CPI(M) proposed a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and Chief Justice of India.
Quotes
Abhishek Singhvi
Congress member of Parliament and spokesperson
“It’s time to bring out the Rajya Sabha motion to impeach the CEC and save democracy.”
telegraphindia.com
“Dissent is not disruption. Dissent is the protection of democracy.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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