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Opposition Demands Removal of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar Over Dissent Reports

The call for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation follows dissent from two Election Commissioners regarding electoral processes.

24 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Opposition Demands Removal of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar Over Dissent Reports — Archive photoPhoto: NoonIcarus · Wikimedia Commons · CC0

Opposition parties in India, including the Congress, are demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar following reports of dissent among Election Commissioners regarding electoral processes. The dissent reportedly concerns the centralization of the poll roll database, alleged illegal changes to Form 6, and the removal of voters from lists in states like West Bengal and Goa.

According to reports, two Election Commissioners formally recorded objections related to these issues, stating that they symbolize a significant concern over electoral integrity. The Congress has termed Gyanesh Kumar the 'chief architect of vote chori' and is calling for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the electoral processes.

Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, has escalated the criticism, asserting that Gyanesh Kumar must resign immediately and suggesting an investigation into allegations against senior leaders like Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their roles in the supposed electoral misconduct. Gandhi claims that dissent from within the commission surfaced after his party raised concerns about 'vote chori' following the Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Other political figures, including Uddhav Thackeray and Akhilesh Yadav, have echoed the demand for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. Thackeray cited the objections raised by the Election Commissioners as justification for seeking Kumar's removal, while Yadav labeled him as an 'Election Snatcher', suggesting that alleged voter fraud may have impacted election outcomes in previous years.

In addition, the Coalition for Justice and Peace (CJP), through its founder Abhijeet Dipke, has alleged that the removal of over 130 million names from draft electoral rolls aims to benefit the ruling parties, specifically the BJP, undermining opposition strength. Dipke suggested that public protests might occur if Kumar does not step down.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has responded to the dissensions reported, stating that differing opinions and suggestions among its members are part of a normal internal process. However, the reports continue to fuel intense political debate over the integrity of electoral procedures in India.

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