Kharge Lists Six Charges Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar at Opposition Event

Congress president and Rajya Sabha Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday levelled six allegations against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar during the INDIA bloc’s symbolic “public impeachment” programme in New Delhi. The event was chaired by former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and held at Kharge’s residence at 10, Rajaji Marg.

The Six Allegations

Kharge accused Kumar of conspiring to steal elections and deleting 13.2 crore voters from electoral rolls. He also alleged that Form 6 was rewritten without approval, that control was centralised through ECINET, and that other Election Commissioners were excluded from decisions. Finally, he claimed Kumar was acting under the influence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The Congress chief stressed that the initiative was not driven by any personal grievance against the CEC. Instead, he said, it was meant to protect the independence and credibility of a constitutional institution.

Four Demands From the Opposition

Kharge put forward four demands. The opposition wants Kumar removed from the post of CEC and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls brought to an end. It also seeks amendments to the 2023 law governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners, and wants Kumar tried for treason.

Kharge warned that these actions threaten the principle of universal adult franchise. He also criticised the BJP, saying the party has used multiple tactics since 2014 to retain power and weaken democratic institutions.

The event is symbolic, as removal of a CEC follows a formal constitutional process. The demonstration, however, signals the INDIA bloc’s intent to keep electoral roll revisions and the functioning of the Election Commission at the centre of its political campaign.