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Kochi civic body passes resolution against election chief amid walkout

The Kochi Corporation Council has passed a resolution criticising Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, drawing sharp divisions among elected representatives. BJP councillors staged a walkout during the contentious debate over the motion.

LSN India · 3 November 2026

Kochi civic body passes resolution against election chief amid walkout

The Kochi Corporation Council has adopted a resolution condemning the Chief Election Commissioner, accusing him of undermining constitutional propriety through alleged interference with electoral processes. The motion, supported by V.A. Sreejith, parliamentary party leader of the Left Democratic Front, centred on claims that over 13 crore voters have been disenfranchised through systematic actions by the election chief.

The resolution characterized the commissioner's conduct as damaging to democratic institutions and the integrity of constitutional offices. Sreejith's backing lent significant political weight to the motion, reflecting broader concerns within Left-aligned constituencies about election management practices.

The proceedings were marked by considerable friction, with BJP councillors withdrawing from the chamber in protest against the resolution. The walkout underscored deep ideological divisions within the civic body over the appropriate role of the election commission and its leadership.

The resolution represents an escalation in political tensions between regional and national political actors over election administration, with municipal-level bodies now engaging in direct criticism of central electoral authorities. The incident highlights ongoing disputes regarding voter rolls and electoral procedures across India's civic institutions.