Politics · India Bureau
INDIA bloc seeks CEC's resignation over election conduct concerns
A high-level delegation of opposition leaders met President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday to demand the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The INDIA coalition presented a four-point memorandum citing alleged irregularities in poll management.
LSN India ·
The opposition alliance's delegation, led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, called on President Murmu to consider their formal petition against the poll body's chief. The group included Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and other senior figures from the 28-party INDIA bloc.
The memorandum outlined four specific concerns regarding the Election Commission's functioning and decision-making processes during recent electoral exercises. The delegation argued that these issues warranted the CEC's removal in the interest of maintaining the integrity of India's democratic institutions.
This move represents an escalation of tensions between the opposition and the poll watchdog, which has previously faced criticism from various political quarters over allegations of bias and procedural lapses. The INDIA bloc has been coordinating closely on electoral and institutional matters following its performance in recent national elections.
The President's office acknowledged receipt of the delegation and their representation. The memorandum is expected to be formally reviewed through established constitutional procedures, though any action on the matter would rest with the government and relevant constitutional authorities.