'Opposition has enough evidence': Rahul Gandhi says Gyanesh Kumar won't survive as Chief Election Commissioner

NEW DELHI: The INDIA bloc has demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and called for him to be tried on treason charges over alleged irregularities in the electoral process, particularly the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The demand was raised during a symbolic public impeachment proceeding organised by the Opposition alliance in New Delhi on Saturday. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge moved a motion seeking Kumar's removal. Addressing the gathering, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said the Opposition had sufficient evidence to ensure that Kumar could no longer continue as Chief Election Commissioner.

Referring to the legal protection available to election commissioners under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, Rahul Gandhi said Gyanesh Kumar should not assume that the provision would shield him from accountability. He warned that Opposition leaders and the public would not allow the Chief Election Commissioner to escape accountability. The law provides protection against civil and criminal proceedings for acts done in the discharge, or purported discharge, of official duties. However, the scope of this protection is defined by the legislation and should not be interpreted as blanket immunity.

The symbolic proceedings were held at Kharge's residence in New Delhi, with former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar presiding over the event. Modelled on parliamentary proceedings, the programme featured a venue and seating arrangement inspired by the Central Hall of the old Parliament building. The event was organised ahead of the INDIA bloc's mega rally scheduled for November 1 at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, as part of the Opposition's continuing protests demanding Gyanesh Kumar's removal over alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise.