DMK Leader Stalin Demands Removal of Chief Election Commissioner Over Voter List Allegations
MK Stalin calls for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing irregularities in voter list management in Tamil Nadu.
Chennai, September 23 (Daily Kiran) : MK Stalin, the president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), has called for the immediate removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This demand comes amid allegations that two other election commissioners raised objections to decisions taken without their knowledge or approval.
In a statement released on social media, Stalin also urged the suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the actions of the Election Commission and called for accountability for those found guilty.
Stalin pointed out that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi have raised objections 14 times over the past ten months. Their concerns include the processes for adding and removing voters and the management of the software used for these tasks.
He expressed that these revelations cast doubt on the integrity of the election results following the SIR exercise. The DMK, along with other opposition parties, has previously protested against the removal of numerous names from the voter lists.
Stalin accused the commission of serious irregularities, particularly in West Bengal, due to amendments made just before elections. He questioned how decisions were made without the knowledge of the two election commissioners.
The DMK leader stated that these alleged objections have undermined trust in an institution expected to operate independently and transparently. He also raised issues regarding the legal responsibilities of Election Registration Officers (EROs) in updating voter lists.
Stalin highlighted that restrictions within the voter list software have hindered officials from exercising their authority, including the addition of eligible voters. He demanded clarity on who authorized appeals against the inclusion of voters as directed by the court and why other commissioners were reportedly not informed.
He insisted that these questions necessitate an investigation into potential political interference. The DMK and other opposition parties had already submitted notices demanding Gyanesh Kumar‘s removal, and Stalin reiterated his call for the immediate dismissal of the Chief Election Commissioner, the halting of the SIR process, and an investigation into the commission’s decisions.
