The Opposition’s INDIA bloc is weighing the option of moving an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, escalating its standoff with the Election Commission. The move comes after the poll body dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of “vote chori” (vote theft) as “baseless” and “an insult to the Constitution.”
As per reports, while no formal decision has yet been taken, senior leaders indicated that the bloc is prepared to “use every democratic weapon,” including impeachment, if required.
Under the Constitution, the CEC can only be removed through the same procedure as a Supreme Court judge, requiring a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament. With the Opposition lacking the numbers, the proposal faces an uphill battle.
The row intensified after CEC Kumar asked Rahul Gandhi to submit a sworn affidavit substantiating his allegations within a week or issue a public apology. The INDIA bloc has accused the poll panel of siding with the ruling party and undermining democratic processes.
Political observers say the Opposition’s strategy may be aimed more at keeping the spotlight on electoral integrity than at achieving Kumar’s removal, given the numerical constraints in Parliament.
