Opposition Rallies Against CEC Over Voter Roll Deletions

Kohima: Opposition parties are calling for the head of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The push follows reports that two fellow commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, repeatedly challenged the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls. They flagged issues 14 times in recent months. The commissioners specifically questioned the deletion of names and the internal decision-making process.

Rahul Gandhi labeled the election body a criminal enterprise. He accused the BJP, RSS, and the Election Commission of treason. The opposition leader warned that "The BJP, RSS and EC who organised it have committed an act of treason. Justice will be served."

Political heavyweights are now demanding immediate consequences. Uddhav Thackeray and Arvind Kejriwal want Kumar jailed and stripped of his office. Mallikarjun Kharge noted that 73 Rajya Sabha MPs filed a formal motion to remove Kumar back on 24 April 2026. MK Stalin added that the CEC has no right to remain in his post. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee wants Kumar behind bars and is pushing for new assembly elections in West Bengal using the old voter lists.

Banerjee claimed the commission looted the recent state elections. She warned of national protests until Kumar is removed. Jairam Ramesh accused the CEC of acting as a hatchet man for Home Minister Amit Shah. The CPI(M) has appealed directly to President Droupadi Murmu for intervention. Akhilesh Yadav declared that any government formed under an impartial commission is unconstitutional. The Election Commission defended its record, stating all recent orders were unanimous decisions of the full commission.