CEC Gyanesh Kumar to face impeachment motion? Opposition’s big move amid ‘Vote Chori’ protest

The Opposition parties are likely to bring an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, seeking his removal from the post in the monsoon session of parliament, reports said on Monday.

 

Several Opposition leaders met in the chamber of the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, in the morning to discuss the strategy to be adopted to take forward their protest.

 

During the meeting, some MPs suggested an impeachment motion against the CEC, PTI reported, quoting sources..

 

As per the CEC and Other Election Commissioners Bill, 2023, the poll panel head can be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court Judge.

 

The motion needs to be passed by a two-thirds majority in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and then approved by the President. Proven misbehaviour or incapacity are valid grounds for his removal.

 

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain told ANI news agency that the party is ready to use all democratic tools, including an impeachment motion if needed. He, however, said no formal discussions have been held so far.

 

"If there is a need, we will use all the weapons of democracy under the rules. We have not had any discussions (about impeachment) as of now, but if needed, we can do anything," he said.

 

The Opposition's move comes a day after Kumar sought to demolish the 'vote theft' allegations levelled by Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders, citing provisions of the Constitution and clauses of electoral laws.

 

The Opposition has been alleging rigging in the last Lok Sabha elections and several assembly polls, and massive discrepancies in the draft voters’ list released by the poll panel in Bihar.

 

Countering these allegations, Kumar on Sunday served a seven-day ultimatum on Gandhi to submit a signed affidavit to back his claims, else his allegations will be considered baseless and invalid.

 

"Give an affidavit or apologise to the nation. There is no third option. If an affidavit is not given within seven days, this means that all allegations are baseless," the CEC said.

 

Meanwhile, the Opposition intensified its agitation against the Commission on Monday, with several MPs staging a protest in the Parliament House complex.

 

Led by the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, the MPs of INDIA bloc raised "vote chor, gaddi chhor" and "vote chori band karo" slogans.

India