Wayanad, September 26 (Daily Kiran) : Congress General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has urged the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Speaking to the media during her visit to Wayanad on Saturday, she called for the removal of legal protections that shield him from action.
Gandhi emphasized that the opposition alliance, known as ‘India’, stands united on this issue. She accused the recent developments regarding the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of voter lists as an attack on the Constitution and democratic processes. “Our immediate demand is for Gyanesh Kumar to resign. We are all together. The India alliance is united. What is happening goes against the Constitution,” she stated.
She further argued that if it is proven that the Chief Election Commissioner intentionally allowed violations of electoral processes, he should face legal action. This statement comes amid reports alleging that Election Commissioners Sukbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections to several decisions related to the SIR and voter list processes. However, the Election Commission has dismissed claims of internal disagreements, asserting that decisions, including those concerning the SIR, were made unanimously.
Gandhi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of defending both the Chief Election Commissioner and its leadership. She remarked, “The BJP leadership is backing the Chief Election Commissioner. The leadership has given him full support.”
Previously, Gandhi referenced reports indicating that around 130 million names were removed from voter lists, stating that if this action is found to be illegal, it would constitute a criminal act against democracy and the Constitution. She insisted that those who deliberately interfere in the electoral process should face criminal charges.
Congress leader K.C. Venugopal also intensified attacks on the Chief Election Commissioner, warning of major protests against him. Criticizing Kumar, Venugopal expressed shame that he hails from the Kerala cadre. He questioned the central government’s silence on these allegations, stating that the BJP-led government must answer to the public.
Venugopal highlighted the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Kerala, suggesting that he should respond at a time when democracy is perceived to be under threat.
The statements from Congress leaders come amid escalating political tensions regarding alleged irregularities in the SIR process and the preparation and amendment of voter lists. The Election Commission maintains that differing views and comments during internal discussions are part of its institutional process, asserting that its final decisions are reached by consensus.
However, Priyanka Gandhi contended that this matter should not be viewed as a mere administrative dispute. She stressed that the fairness and credibility of the electoral process are crucial for the functioning of democracy.
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