New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday launched a strong attack on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of acting in favour of the BJP and demanding his immediate removal from office.
Speaking at the Congress Working Committee meeting, Kharge described the CEC as a “puppet” of the Modi government and alleged that the Election Commission’s functioning had raised serious concerns over the independence and credibility of the electoral process. He also called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign on moral grounds over what he described as pressure on the poll panel.
Kharge placed five key demands before the CWC amid the continuing controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. He sought complete disclosure of all changes made to voter lists, including additions and deletions. He also demanded that voters whose names have been removed be informed and given a proper opportunity to appeal.
The Congress chief further called for political parties to receive electoral rolls in a simple and accessible format within the required timeframe. Where serious discrepancies are detected, he demanded an independent and time bound investigation. He also sought greater transparency in the electoral process so that voters and political parties have confidence that relevant information is not being withheld.
The controversy has intensified following reports of objections raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi over aspects of the SIR exercise and other electoral decisions. The Election Commission has maintained that such inputs and queries form part of its normal administrative and decision making process.
Kharge also criticised changes linked to Form 6, which is used for new voter enrolment, claiming they could affect young voters.
He said the Congress was fighting for voters’ rights, the Constitution and the democratic system, while stressing that the Election Commission must remain independent and trusted by both the ruling party and the Opposition.
