CPI(M)'s KN Balagopal claims the Kerala Assembly resolution to oust CEC Gyanesh Kumar was originally the opposition's idea, later adopted by the UDF government. The resolution alleges electoral roll manipulation and seeks changes to the EC selection panel.
CPI(M) Leader's Claim on Resolution's Origin
CPI(M) leader and former Keralam Finance Minister KN Balagopal on Tuesday claimed that the Keralam Assembly resolution seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar was originally moved by the Leader of the Opposition, Pinarayi Vijayan, and that the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) government later adopted it and presented it as an official government resolution. “Actually, that resolution was originally moved by the Opposition Leader. After receiving the application, the UDF government decided to adopt it and present it as an official government resolution,” Balagopal said.
Resolution to Remove CEC Passed in Assembly
The resolution was passed in the Keralam Legislative Assembly on Monday, urging the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over allegations against the Election Commission's functioning and seeking changes to the panel responsible for appointing Election Commissioners. The resolution, moved by Chief Minister VD Satheesan, was passed with amendments. Three BJP members opposed the resolution.
Allegations of Electoral Irregularities
The resolution raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. It alleged that marginalised communities, minorities, migrant workers and young voters were at risk of being denied their voting rights due to technical manipulations and irregularities in the revision process.
The resolution also cited media reports alleging that the Election Commission had curtailed the powers of Electoral Registration Officers to prepare voter lists through software systems and amended Form 6 in a manner contrary to existing rules. It further referred to reports that a majority of the Commission's members had expressed disagreement with these actions.
Calls for Reform and Impartiality
Calling for corrective measures, the resolution urged the Election Commission to rectify the alleged irregularities and restore the voting rights of all eligible citizens whose names had been excluded from electoral rolls. It said the Election Commission, as a constitutional body, must function impartially and independently of government influence, adding that alleged manipulation of electoral rolls undermined public confidence in the electoral process.
The resolution also called for the reconstitution of the committee responsible for selecting the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. It proposed that the panel include the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India.
Referring to the existing selection mechanism, the resolution said the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the committee and the restructuring of the panel had undermined the impartiality of the appointment process.
The resolution urged the Election Commission and the Central Government to take steps to remove the Chief Election Commissioner, citing the serious doubts raised over the Commission's impartiality. It said the measures were necessary to protect democracy and constitutional values and uphold the voting rights guaranteed to citizens under Article 326 of the Constitution.
BJP Opposes Move
While moving amendments, BJP MLA V. Muraleedharan said, “I propose to add the following words after the phrase ‘Form 6 was amended in violation of the 1960 Voter Registration Rules’ in the third paragraph of this resolution. This media report has been pointed out as incorrect by the Election Commission itself. I also propose to add the following words after the phrase ‘after administrative influence’ in the opening part of the fourth paragraph: We strongly condemn the attempts by vested interests to discredit the Election Commission, a constitutional body.” (ANI)
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