Congress Demands Resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar Amid Protests
Congress leaders call for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar due to alleged electoral irregularities, sparking nationwide protests.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge demands Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over electoral roll issues.
Protests erupt across multiple states, including Maharashtra, against the Chief Election Commission.
The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition questioning the decisions made by the Election Commission led by Kumar.
On September 29, 2026, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge publicly called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Kharge's demand comes amid growing tensions within the Election Commission of India (ECI), which Kumar leads, alongside Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The call for Kumar's removal has ignited protests across various states, with Congress leaders urging the Prime Minister to resign for allegedly pressuring the election body.
The backdrop of this political turmoil involves accusations from the Maharashtra Congress, which claims that the ECI-Net system is undermining the authority of electoral registration officers. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe highlighted concerns that the software was being misused to manipulate voter classifications, thereby compromising the integrity of the electoral process. Londhe emphasized that the power to determine voter eligibility should rest with the electoral registration officers, not be diluted by technological interventions.
In a related development, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has rallied the youth to protest against systemic issues, including women's safety, asserting that the government only reacts under public pressure. Gandhi criticized the prevailing culture that blames victims of harassment and violence, urging a collective stand against such injustices. His remarks resonate with the broader discontent expressed during the protests against Kumar's leadership.
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) convened on the same day to strategize on intensifying pressure against the ECI and the government. This meeting, chaired by Kharge, included prominent figures such as Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, who discussed the implications of the alleged irregularities in the electoral process. The CWC aims to present a united front to address the perceived failures of the election commission and advocate for electoral integrity.
Looking ahead, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition next week that questions the legitimacy of decisions made by the ECI under Kumar's leadership. This legal scrutiny could have significant implications for the electoral landscape in India, as it may challenge the operational framework of the ECI. As protests continue and political tensions escalate, the future of the electoral process remains uncertain, with Congress leaders vowing to maintain their momentum until their demands are met.
