Opposition intensifies pressure to oust CEC Gyanesh Kumar with fresh move

A group of 73 Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha has submitted a fresh notice of motion seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging “proven misbehaviour” and accusing him of undermining constitutional principles.

In a statement issued on Friday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the notice had been submitted to the Secretary General of the Upper House, urging that an address be presented to the President of India for the CEC’s removal. The motion cites Article 324(5) of the Constitution, read with Article 124(4), along with Section 11(2) of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.

Advertisement

Ramesh said the notice details nine specific charges against the Chief Election Commissioner based on “acts and omissions committed on and after March 15, 2026.” He maintained that the allegations have been “documented in great detail” and “cannot be denied or whitewashed away.”

“The continuation of the Chief Election Commissioner in office is an assault on the Constitution,” Ramesh said, adding, “it is an absolute disgrace that the man continues to be in office to do the bidding of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister.”

The move signals a sharp escalation in the ongoing confrontation between the Opposition and the government over the functioning of the Election Commission of India, the constitutional body responsible for conducting free and fair elections. The process for removing a Chief Election Commissioner mirrors that of a Supreme Court judge, requiring a parliamentary procedure on grounds of proven misbehaviour or incapacity.

There has been no immediate response from the government or the Election Commission to the latest initiative of the Opposition. The development comes amid heightened political activity and growing scrutiny of electoral processes, with Opposition parties repeatedly voicing concerns over the independence of key institutions in recent months.