Punjab Congress demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's dismissal, plans protest

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Warring demanded CEC Gyanesh Kumar's dismissal and arrest over alleged subversion of the electoral process. The party, under the leadership of Sachin Pilot, plans a protest march in Chandigarh.

Punjab Congress Demands CEC's Dismissal, Arrest

The Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring demanded the dismissal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, registration of an FIR against him and all collaborators, followed by immediate arrest over alleged subversion of the electoral process, in his post on X.

Amarinder Singh, in a post on X, said the party's leadership held a Zoom meeting with MLA Sachin Pilot to discuss the matter and decide the course of action. "Today, INC Punjab leadership participated in a Zoom meeting with Shri Sachin Pilot Ji to discuss the blatant subversion of the electoral process and our next course of action," he said.

He also announced a march to the Election Commission office in Sector 17, Chandigarh, under the leadership of Sachin Pilot, protesting against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. "We have decided that under the leadership of Shri Sachin Pilot ji, we will march to the Election Commission office in Sector 17, Chandigarh tomorrow to protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar," he said.

Outlining the party's demands, Warring said, "Our demands are clear: Dismissal of Gyanesh Kumar, Registration of an FIR against him and all collaborators, followed by immediate arrest." He further said the party would continue to press for accountability over the issue. "The sanctity of the vote and the Constitution cannot be compromised. Those responsible must be held accountable," Warring said.

Akhilesh Yadav Echoes Calls for CEC's Resignation

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav demanded that the Chief Election Commissioner resign over alleged differences within the Election Commission, saying that those responsible should step down.

Speaking to reporters, Yadav said that the Opposition and those seeking to protect democracy were demanding the CEC's resignation. He alleged that the election had been "snatched away." Yadav said on Thursday, "Those who caused these differences in the Election Commission should resign on their own. The entire Opposition and all those who want to save democracy are demanding that when such allegations have been levelled, the CEC should resign on his own and leave. He snatched away the election."

Controversy Stems from Internal Dissent

The SP chief's remarks come after a political firestorm erupted following an investigation by The Indian Express, which revealed that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had repeatedly flagged procedural changes that were allegedly executed without the full Commission's approval.

The flagged changes include centralisation of the ERONET electoral roll database, alterations to new voter registration forms (Form 6), and decisions regarding voter list deletions during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The Indian Express reported 14 formal written dissents over 10 months by ECs Sandhu and Joshi over decision-making under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The key issues flagged include rapid centralisation of the ERONET electoral roll database platform, unilateral changes made to new voter registration forms in Form 6 and decisions regarding voter list deletions during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

ECI Defends Procedures Amid Political Firestorm

The Election Commission clarified that internal technical notes and written queries are standard procedure in a multi-member body. It assured that all final decisions regarding the SIR process were taken unanimously and have full legal sanction.

The ECI maintained that all final decisions taken by the Commission, including those related to the SIR exercise, were unanimous and carried the approval of all three commissioners. While the BJP and the ECI continue to defend the legitimacy and transparency of the SIR exercise, Congress and other Opposition parties have intensified their demands for accountability and a thorough review of electoral roll revisions. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)