New Delhi: The controversy surrounding India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has now spilt out into the public arena. Opposition political parties are questioning both the government and the Election Commission. Opposition leaders are also targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi over this issue. On Tuesday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of favouring the ruling party.
He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should resign on moral grounds for exerting pressure to bring about this situation. He further demanded that Gyanesh Kumar be immediately removed from his post. Political parties have previously targeted the Chief Election Commissioner as well.
Kharge takes on the Election Commission.
Addressing a meeting of the Congress Working Committee, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge made a significant statement. He asserted that the party’s fight is not against any specific party, institution, or individual, but is aimed at protecting voters’ rights, the Constitution, and the country’s democratic system.
Kharge reiterated that the party’s struggle is not against any party, institution, or individual, but is dedicated to safeguarding voters’ rights, the Constitution, and the nation’s democratic framework. He emphasised that the independence of the Election Commission is a fundamental prerequisite for protecting democracy.
Kharge questioned the decision to conduct a special intensive revision of electoral rolls and asked why two Election Commissioners were excluded from the internal portal. He further alleged that serious questions are being raised regarding the Election Commission’s functioning, noting that differences of opinion have emerged among the Election Commissioners themselves.
Kharge demands PM Narendra Modi’s resignation.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated that this situation arose due to pressure from the Prime Minister, and therefore, PM Modi should resign on moral grounds. He further alleged that names are being removed from the electoral rolls. There is also a concern that this could impact the voting rights of eligible citizens.
Kharge further stated that the Congress has played a pivotal role in establishing such institutions in the country and empowering them to function independently. However, questions are now being raised regarding the independence of these institutions. Our questions are not intended to undermine these institutions; rather, we want the Election Commission to be so robust and credible that both the ruling party and the opposition place equal trust in its decisions.
Congress President puts forward key demands.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has put forward several important demands. Key among these are making public the complete data regarding major changes to the electoral rolls, and ensuring that voters whose names have been removed are informed and allowed to appeal. Another demand is the timely provision of necessary electoral roll data to political parties. Additionally, there is a call to ensure independent and time-bound investigations into cases involving serious discrepancies.
