INDIA Bloc Plans Action Amid Rising Tensions Over Vote Fraud Allegations
Opposition Weighs Impeachment Move
Amid its face-off with the Election Commission over allegations of vote fraud, the INDIA Opposition bloc is considering bringing a motion to remove Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, sources have said.
Motion Discussion in Parliament
According to sources, Opposition parties considered the motion during a meeting of their leaders in Parliament this morning.
- The process to remove a CEC is similar to that of a Supreme Court Judge.
- Such a motion requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.
- Grounds for removal include “proved misbehaviour or incapacity.”
CEC’s Sharp Response to Allegations
The move follows the poll body chief’s strong rebuttal of the INDIA bloc’s allegations. Responding to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “vote chori” charge, Mr. Kumar said that using such “improper words” insulted the Constitution.
At a press meet, he emphasized that the Election Commission does not discriminate between ruling and Opposition parties, and that it stands firmly with India’s voters.
Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations
Earlier this month, Mr. Gandhi alleged voter fraud in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura Assembly segment during the 2024 Lok Sabha election. He has also launched the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, covering 1,300 km across 20 districts.
The Congress and RJD have challenged the revision of voter lists in Bihar, accusing the poll body of colluding with the BJP.
CEC’s Counterpoint
Mr. Kumar countered:
- Over 1 crore officials and 20 lakh polling agents work in Lok Sabha elections, making vote theft impossible.
- Allegations of double voting were unsubstantiated when proof was sought.
- He demanded that Mr. Gandhi either submit an affidavit within seven days or apologize to the nation.
Political Reactions
Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain accused the CEC of speaking like a “BJP spokesperson,” saying the Opposition will use every democratic option.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Radha Mohan Das Agarwal slammed the move, saying, “What can we expect from fools? I am surprised they have not brought impeachment motions against the Supreme Court and high courts.”
The Opposition’s consideration of an impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar marks an escalation in its clash with the Election Commission. While the INDIA bloc accuses the poll body of bias and vote fraud, the CEC has firmly rejected the allegations, demanding proof or an apology. The coming days will reveal whether the motion gains traction in Parliament or remains a political flashpoint ahead of upcoming elections.
