A Right To Information (RTI) has revealed that two Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had written to Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan on July 9, 2024 about the alleged misconduct of senior deputy election commissioner (DEC) Maneesh Garg and sought action. The secretariat acknowledged both the complaints and sent a copy to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar for his “information”.&nbsp;However, the Cabinet Secretary noted that the letters by the election commissioners were written in their individual capacities and though the complaint needed to be taken seriously, it could not be taken as a formal communication from the Election Commission of India as a whole.&nbsp;The Cabinet Secretary further noted that since the complaints were written in their individual capacities, any action taken in this regard would amount to "interference".&nbsp;The two Commissioners in their letters had alleged that revising the allocation of work among senior officers by Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Maneesh Garg, an IAS officer posted to the poll body by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) in September 2024, was without prior discussion with the Commission or the officers concerned.&nbsp;<h2>What was the complaint?</h2>&nbsp;In his letter to the Cabinet Secretary seeking action against Garg, Sandhu wrote, "This has happened in spite of repeated and explicit oral and written instructions to all concerned officers by the undersigned against taking such actions without prior discussion/approval of the Commission."&nbsp;He alleged violation of Sections 18(1) and 18(2) of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, and sought "appropriate action".&nbsp;Joshi too made a similar complaint but also alleged that he was denied the access to the relevant file when he sought it from the Administration Division.&nbsp;The RTI response on the complaint raised by Sandhu and Joshi read, "Both the ECs have stated that Shri Garg, after assuming the charge as link officer of DEC (Admn), has issued an order regarding work allocation of equivalent and senior officers to him without discussing the revised work allocation with the Commission or the officers concerned. Further, the aforementioned ECs have stated that this has happened despite repeated oral and written instructions to all concerned officers against taking such actions without prior discussion/approval of the Commission,"&nbsp;

The Cabinet Secretary noted that since the complaints were written in their individual capacities, any action taken in this regard would have amounted to "interference".

A Right To Information (RTI) has revealed that two Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had written to Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan on July 9, 2024 about the alleged misconduct of senior deputy election commissioner (DEC) Maneesh Garg and sought action. The secretariat acknowledged both the complaints and sent a copy to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar for his “information”. However, the Cabinet Secretary noted that the letters by the election commissioners were written in their individual capacities and though the complaint needed to be taken seriously, it could not be taken as a formal communication from the Election Commission of India as a whole. The Cabinet Secretary further noted that since the complaints were written in their individual capacities, any action taken in this regard would amount to "interference". The two Commissioners in their letters had alleged that revising the allocation of work among senior officers by Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Maneesh Garg, an IAS officer posted to the poll body by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) in September 2024, was without prior discussion with the Commission or the officers concerned. What was the complaint? In his letter to the Cabinet Secretary seeking action against Garg, Sandhu wrote, "This has happened in spite of repeated and explicit oral and written instructions to all concerned officers by the undersigned against taking such actions without prior discussion/approval of the Commission." He alleged violation of Sections 18(1) and 18(2) of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, and sought "appropriate action". Joshi too made a similar complaint but also alleged that he was denied the access to the relevant file when he sought it from the Administration Division. The RTI response on the complaint raised by Sandhu and Joshi read, "Both the ECs have stated that Shri Garg, after assuming the charge as link officer of DEC (Admn), has issued an order regarding work allocation of equivalent and senior officers to him without discussing the revised work allocation with the Commission or the officers concerned. Further, the aforementioned ECs have stated that this has happened despite repeated oral and written instructions to all concerned officers against taking such actions without prior discussion/approval of the Commission,"

The Cabinet Secretary noted that since the complaints were written in their individual capacities, any action taken in this regard would have amounted to "interference".

Election Commissioners raised complaint against senior panel officer, cabinet declined action, reveals RTI

More than 700 protesters were detained by Delhi Police at Jantar Mantar on Friday as demonstrations intensified over demands for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protesters alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.&nbsp;Several AAP leaders, including Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha, Atishi and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, were among those detained. Activists from student organisations were also taken into custody.Sanjay Singh staged a sit-in on the road after police stopped him from proceeding towards Parliament.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I am a Member of Parliament...As a member, I had to raise the issue of alleged 'vote theft' in Parliament...How can you stop me?' Singh said.&nbsp;CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, who was also detained, said that every street in Delhi had become Jantar Mantar that day.&nbsp;The protest at Jantar Mantar included members of political parties and student organisations, including the All India Students' Association (AISA), Students' Federation of India (SFI) and National Students' Union of India (NSUI). AISA leader Neha Bora and activist Yogendra Yadav were also detained.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-speaks-to-flydubai-pilot-smit-machchhar-applauds-his-courage-after-brutal-cockpit-attack-omani-co-pilot-terrorist-jihai-1790922727540">PM Modi speaks to Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar, applauds his courage after brutal cockpit attack | Watch video</a><h3>Delhi Police imposes restrictions amid Jantar Mantar protest</h3>Delhi Police imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in New Delhi. The restrictions prohibit assemblies of five or more people, processions, demonstrations, picketing, dharnas, slogans and speeches without prior written permission.&nbsp;Police also prohibited the carrying of firearms, banners, placards, lathis, swords, sticks and similar articles in the area.&nbsp;The protests were not limited to Delhi. Activists from the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and other civil society organisations held a demonstration at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on Friday against the Election Commission and alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise.&nbsp;Heavy police deployment was seen at Shivaji Park ahead of the protest. In Delhi, security was tightened in central Delhi after police denied permission for the proposed demonstration and imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the BNSS.&nbsp;CJP spokesperson Saurav Das called Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar a “traitor” and alleged that he is the "real anti-national". He also said the Mumbai protest would receive support from people across the country.<h3>INDIA bloc announces protests over SIR electoral rolls</h3>The protests came days after the Opposition INDIA bloc announced a series of demonstrations against the Election Commission over concerns surrounding the SIR of electoral rolls and what it described as threats to democratic institutions.&nbsp;Reacting to the CJP protest in Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the allegations against the Election Commission had already been countered.&nbsp;“The entire matter has been exposed. Following the press conference held by the three Election Commissioners, their fake narrative has been busted. Yet, attempts are still being made to push this fake narrative. They will not succeed in this,” Fadnavis said.&nbsp;The INDIA bloc announced its protest programme after a coordination meeting of opposition parties in New Delhi on Wednesday. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the meeting lasted nearly three-and-a-half hours, with several leaders putting forward their views. Uddhav Thackeray and Hemant Soren also took part in the discussions.&nbsp;As part of the programme, the INDIA bloc will organise district-level “Save Democracy Marches” from October 2 to October 8. Opposition MPs are also scheduled to march to the Election Commission on October 6.&nbsp;Opposition leaders will further seek an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu in the second week of October to raise their concerns over electoral institutions and electoral rolls.

More than 700 protesters, including AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha, Atishi and Sanjay Singh, were detained in Delhi over the SIR row, while CJP protested in Mumbai.

More than 700 protesters were detained by Delhi Police at Jantar Mantar on Friday as demonstrations intensified over demands for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protesters alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Several AAP leaders, including Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha, Atishi and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, were among those detained. Activists from student organisations were also taken into custody. Sanjay Singh staged a sit-in on the road after police stopped him from proceeding towards Parliament. "I am a Member of Parliament...As a member, I had to raise the issue of alleged 'vote theft' in Parliament...How can you stop me?' Singh said. CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, who was also detained, said that every street in Delhi had become Jantar Mantar that day. The protest at Jantar Mantar included members of political parties and student organisations, including the All India Students' Association (AISA), Students' Federation of India (SFI) and National Students' Union of India (NSUI). AISA leader Neha Bora and activist Yogendra Yadav were also detained. Also Read: PM Modi speaks to Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar, applauds his courage after brutal cockpit attack | Watch video Delhi Police imposes restrictions amid Jantar Mantar protest Delhi Police imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in New Delhi. The restrictions prohibit assemblies of five or more people, processions, demonstrations, picketing, dharnas, slogans and speeches without prior written permission. Police also prohibited the carrying of firearms, banners, placards, lathis, swords, sticks and similar articles in the area. The protests were not limited to Delhi. Activists from the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and other civil society organisations held a demonstration at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on Friday against the Election Commission and alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise. Heavy police deployment was seen at Shivaji Park ahead of the protest. In Delhi, security was tightened in central Delhi after police denied permission for the proposed demonstration and imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the BNSS. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das called Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar a “traitor” and alleged that he is the "real anti-national". He also said the Mumbai protest would receive support from people across the country. INDIA bloc announces protests over SIR electoral rolls The protests came days after the Opposition INDIA bloc announced a series of demonstrations against the Election Commission over concerns surrounding the SIR of electoral rolls and what it described as threats to democratic institutions. Reacting to the CJP protest in Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the allegations against the Election Commission had already been countered. “The entire matter has been exposed. Following the press conference held by the three Election Commissioners, their fake narrative has been busted. Yet, attempts are still being made to push this fake narrative. They will not succeed in this,” Fadnavis said. The INDIA bloc announced its protest programme after a coordination meeting of opposition parties in New Delhi on Wednesday. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the meeting lasted nearly three-and-a-half hours, with several leaders putting forward their views. Uddhav Thackeray and Hemant Soren also took part in the discussions. As part of the programme, the INDIA bloc will organise district-level “Save Democracy Marches” from October 2 to October 8. Opposition MPs are also scheduled to march to the Election Commission on October 6. Opposition leaders will further seek an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu in the second week of October to raise their concerns over electoral institutions and electoral rolls.

More than 700 protesters, including AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha, Atishi and Sanjay Singh, were detained in Delhi over the SIR row, while CJP protested in Mumbai.

SIR row: Over 700 including AAP leaders, activists detained near Jantar Mantar; CJP protests at Mumbai's Shivaji Park

The Opposition INDIA bloc on Wednesday (Sept. 30) announced a series of protests against the Election Commission, raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and what it described as threats to democratic institutions.&nbsp;The announcement followed a coordination meeting of opposition parties in New Delhi. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the meeting lasted nearly three-and-a-half hours, with several leaders sharing their views. Uddhav Thackeray and Hemant Soren also participated in the discussions.&nbsp;"Discussions continued for around three-and-a-half hours. Many leaders expressed their views. Uddhav Thackeray ji and Hemant Soren ji also shared their views. Everyone has decided to fight together in a united manner," Kharge said.&nbsp;Kharge alleged that democratic institutions were being weakened and claimed that the Election Commission was being influenced by the government. He also accused the opposition of facing disruptions to its democratic functioning and alleged that elections were being won through unfair means.<h2>INDIA bloc announces nationwide protest plan</h2>The INDIA bloc will organise district-level “Save Democracy Marches” from October 2 to October 8. Opposition MPs will march to the Election Commission on October 6.&nbsp;Opposition leaders will also seek an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu in the second week of October to raise their concerns over electoral institutions and electoral rolls.&nbsp;The bloc has planned five major rallies in October and November, with venues and dates to be finalised soon. A major rally will be held in Delhi on November 1.&nbsp;"Members of the INDIA bloc will stage protests at DM offices from October 2 to October 8, and on October 6, all opposition MPs will march to the Election Commission. Opposition leaders will seek an appointment with the President in the second week of October to apprise her of the manner in which institutions are being taken over. Five major rallies will be held in Oct-Nov, and the venues and dates will be finalised soon. A major rally will be organised in Delhi on November 1 because everyone now acknowledges what Rahul ji and Didi used to say on 'vote chori'"&nbsp;Kharge also demanded the rollback of the SIR process and greater transparency in electoral rolls. He called for accountability from the Election Commission and said, “the ballot belongs to the people.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/meerut-blue-drum-case-muskan-lover-sahil-convicted-of-husband-saurabh-rajput-s-murder-1790769408135">Meerut Blue Drum Case: Muskan, lover Sahil convicted of husband Saurabh Rajput’s murder</a><h2>Rahul Gandhi targets CEC Gyanesh Kumar</h2>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was using him to manipulate electoral outcomes.&nbsp;In a post on X, Gandhi questioned why Kumar was the only Indian citizen with what he described as lifelong blanket legal immunity.&nbsp;"Q. Why is CEC Gyanesh Kumar the only Indian with lifelong blanket legal immunity? A. Because PM Modi uses him to steal elections," said Gandhi.&nbsp;Kharge also called for Kumar's removal, claiming that the Chief Election Commissioner had been exposed over questions raised by his fellow members.&nbsp;"Today our Chief Election Commissioner stands totally exposed. His two fellow members have written 14 times in 10 months! It questions his very integrity and intentions. Therefore, he should be removed from his position. If he has even an iota of Constitutional or moral shame left in him, he will resign himself and turn approver against the powers who are interfering in our electoral rolls."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q. Why is CEC Gyanesh Kumar the only Indian with lifelong blanket legal immunity? A. Because PM Modi uses him to steal elections.&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/2105208568836440067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Opposition INDIA bloc has announced a series of protests against the Election Commission and SIR while Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge stepped up their criticism of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

The Opposition INDIA bloc on Wednesday (Sept. 30) announced a series of protests against the Election Commission, raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and what it described as threats to democratic institutions. The announcement followed a coordination meeting of opposition parties in New Delhi. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the meeting lasted nearly three-and-a-half hours, with several leaders sharing their views. Uddhav Thackeray and Hemant Soren also participated in the discussions. "Discussions continued for around three-and-a-half hours. Many leaders expressed their views. Uddhav Thackeray ji and Hemant Soren ji also shared their views. Everyone has decided to fight together in a united manner," Kharge said. Kharge alleged that democratic institutions were being weakened and claimed that the Election Commission was being influenced by the government. He also accused the opposition of facing disruptions to its democratic functioning and alleged that elections were being won through unfair means. INDIA bloc announces nationwide protest plan The INDIA bloc will organise district-level “Save Democracy Marches” from October 2 to October 8. Opposition MPs will march to the Election Commission on October 6. Opposition leaders will also seek an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu in the second week of October to raise their concerns over electoral institutions and electoral rolls. The bloc has planned five major rallies in October and November, with venues and dates to be finalised soon. A major rally will be held in Delhi on November 1. "Members of the INDIA bloc will stage protests at DM offices from October 2 to October 8, and on October 6, all opposition MPs will march to the Election Commission. Opposition leaders will seek an appointment with the President in the second week of October to apprise her of the manner in which institutions are being taken over. Five major rallies will be held in Oct-Nov, and the venues and dates will be finalised soon. A major rally will be organised in Delhi on November 1 because everyone now acknowledges what Rahul ji and Didi used to say on 'vote chori'" Kharge also demanded the rollback of the SIR process and greater transparency in electoral rolls. He called for accountability from the Election Commission and said, “the ballot belongs to the people.” Also Read: Meerut Blue Drum Case: Muskan, lover Sahil convicted of husband Saurabh Rajput’s murder Rahul Gandhi targets CEC Gyanesh Kumar Congress leader Rahul Gandhi targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was using him to manipulate electoral outcomes. In a post on X, Gandhi questioned why Kumar was the only Indian citizen with what he described as lifelong blanket legal immunity. "Q. Why is CEC Gyanesh Kumar the only Indian with lifelong blanket legal immunity? A. Because PM Modi uses him to steal elections," said Gandhi. Kharge also called for Kumar's removal, claiming that the Chief Election Commissioner had been exposed over questions raised by his fellow members. "Today our Chief Election Commissioner stands totally exposed. His two fellow members have written 14 times in 10 months! It questions his very integrity and intentions. Therefore, he should be removed from his position. If he has even an iota of Constitutional or moral shame left in him, he will resign himself and turn approver against the powers who are interfering in our electoral rolls."

The Opposition INDIA bloc has announced a series of protests against the Election Commission and SIR while Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge stepped up their criticism of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

INDIA bloc announces 'Save Democracy' marches from October 2, EC protest on October 6

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday (September 24) launched a sharp attack on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Narendra Modi government over the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI).&nbsp;Gandhi demanded that Gyanesh Kumar resign immediately and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were the “main conspirators”. He also called for an investigation against them.&nbsp;Addressing a press conference on the functioning of the ECI following media reports related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, Gandhi said the issue was not limited to the vote.“The thing to understand here is that if the vote has been destroyed, then our Constitution has been destroyed,” Gandhi said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Reacting to Indian Express report on 2 ECs objecting to discrepancies in SIR process, LoP Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi says, &quot;The first thing we are saying is Mr. Gyanesh Kumar must resign immediately. I would add to Mr. Gyanesh Kumar: You are a highly educated person.… <a href="https://t.co/hCACV3lYT7">pic.twitter.com/hCACV3lYT7</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2103103814694031392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He added that the Constitution would no longer have its power or function if the vote was destroyed.“If our Constitution has been destroyed, our laws are illegal,” he said. “And if our laws are illegal, our institutions are meaningless.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-will-consider-trump-s-g20-invitation-to-putin-eu-vows-to-keep-condemning-moscow-1790249580564">Russia will ‘consider’ Trump’s G20 invitation to Putin; EU vows to keep condemning Moscow</a>&nbsp;The development comes amid a growing row over the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI), following fresh allegations and political exchanges over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.&nbsp;The Indian Express reported that the Goa Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) wrote to authorities in Delhi eight times in seven days seeking access to certain facilities but received no response.&nbsp;The report came after an earlier media report claimed that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, who work with the CEC, raised objections at least 14 times over 10 months to decisions and orders linked to the SIR process.<h2>Rahul Gandhi questions anti-incumbency</h2>Gandhi also questioned what he described as the disappearance of anti-incumbency in several states.“Haryana swings from one party to another for 50 years. Suddenly anti-incumbency disappears,” he said.&nbsp;He then cited Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, saying that anti-incumbency had also “disappeared” in these states.&nbsp;“We can understand the popularity of a person, and the performance of a government, but we cannot understand how anti-incumbency disappears,” Gandhi said.&nbsp;The Congress leader further compared the absence of anti-incumbency with countries he cited as examples of non-democratic systems.“Anti-incumbency does not exist in Saddam Hussein's Iraq. It does not exist in North Korea,” he said, adding, “There is no democracy on this planet where anti-incumbency does not exist.”&nbsp;Gandhi said the vote, protected by the Election Commission, was directly connected to the functioning of the Constitution, laws, and institutions.&nbsp;"From the vote, which is supposed to be protected by the Election Commission, our Constitution gets its power. From the Constitution, our laws are made, and from our laws emerge our institutions. This is a chain... If the vote has been destroyed, then our Constitution has been destroyed... If our Constitution has been destroyed, our laws are illegal. If our laws are illegal, our institutions are meaningless," he said.

Rahul Gandhi questioned the disappearance of anti-incumbency in several states, alleged “vote chori” and called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday (September 24) launched a sharp attack on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Narendra Modi government over the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Gandhi demanded that Gyanesh Kumar resign immediately and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were the “main conspirators”. He also called for an investigation against them. Addressing a press conference on the functioning of the ECI following media reports related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, Gandhi said the issue was not limited to the vote. “The thing to understand here is that if the vote has been destroyed, then our Constitution has been destroyed,” Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi questioned the disappearance of anti-incumbency in several states, alleged “vote chori” and called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.

‘How does anti-incumbency disappear?’: Rahul Gandhi alleges ‘vote chori’, calls for CEC’s resignation

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday (Sept 23) launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India, saying Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has “no moral authority to continue” and should be arrested over what she alleged was institutional manipulation.&nbsp;Her remarks came after a report by The Indian Express said two of the three Election Commissioners had raised objections to decisions linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.&nbsp;According to the report, Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi objected at least 14 times over the last 10 months to decisions and orders issued without their knowledge.<h2>Mamata demands CEC’s arrest</h2>Reacting to the report, Banerjee alleged that the poll machinery had been compromised through the deployment of officials aligned with the BJP. She described the developments as an unprecedented scandal in the country’s electoral history.&nbsp;“This is such a scandalous story. We had never seen this in our lives. This Election Commissioner must be arrested. He has no moral authority to continue, and the BJP must see that they cannot destroy our Constitution. They cannot demolish democracy”, Banerjee said, while addressing a Facebook Live.&nbsp;She added that the TMC would hold "pan-India protests till Gyanesh Kumar remains CEC". "It has now been proven that the BJP and the EC looted the West Bengal assembly polls," she alleged.&nbsp;She further alleged that officials linked to the BJP had been placed across the election system and accused Gyanesh Kumar of misusing the police.&nbsp;“They cannot depute their own EROs in the name of the BJP IT team. What we had said earlier has now been completely exposed. Gyanesh Kumar has misused the police and, in coordination with the BJP, they have deputed their own BJP-minded people across the system. Such a scandal has never happened before,” she remarked.&nbsp;Banerjee also demanded that the Chief Election Commissioner step down and face legal accountability.&nbsp;“If you have any honour left, you yourself would ask to be arrested. You should be arrested,” she said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-at-un-pakistan-trained-the-terrorists-who-forced-kashmiri-pandits-to-leave-the-valley-1790168067597">India at UN: Pakistan trained the terrorists who forced Kashmiri Pandits to leave the valley</a><h2>Mamata calls for fresh Bengal polls</h2>The former West Bengal chief minister also demanded fresh elections in the state using the earlier voter list.&nbsp;“Re-election must be held in West Bengal with the old voter list,” she said.&nbsp;Banerjee added that partners of the INDIA bloc had discussed the issue and would meet soon.&nbsp;Meanwhile, responding to The Indian Express report, the Election Commission said in a statement that all orders issued by the poll body carry full legal sanction. It also said that queries raised by members during the drafting of procedures were part of standard practice.

Mamata Banerjee has demanded CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s arrest and called for fresh West Bengal assembly polls using the old voter list, while alleging that the BJP and Election Commission compromised the electoral process.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday (Sept 23) launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India, saying Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has “no moral authority to continue” and should be arrested over what she alleged was institutional manipulation. Her remarks came after a report by The Indian Express said two of the three Election Commissioners had raised objections to decisions linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. According to the report, Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi objected at least 14 times over the last 10 months to decisions and orders issued without their knowledge. Mamata demands CEC’s arrest Reacting to the report, Banerjee alleged that the poll machinery had been compromised through the deployment of officials aligned with the BJP. She described the developments as an unprecedented scandal in the country’s electoral history. “This is such a scandalous story. We had never seen this in our lives. This Election Commissioner must be arrested. He has no moral authority to continue, and the BJP must see that they cannot destroy our Constitution. They cannot demolish democracy”, Banerjee said, while addressing a Facebook Live. She added that the TMC would hold "pan-India protests till Gyanesh Kumar remains CEC". "It has now been proven that the BJP and the EC looted the West Bengal assembly polls," she alleged. She further alleged that officials linked to the BJP had been placed across the election system and accused Gyanesh Kumar of misusing the police. “They cannot depute their own EROs in the name of the BJP IT team. What we had said earlier has now been completely exposed. Gyanesh Kumar has misused the police and, in coordination with the BJP, they have deputed their own BJP-minded people across the system. Such a scandal has never happened before,” she remarked. Banerjee also demanded that the Chief Election Commissioner step down and face legal accountability. “If you have any honour left, you yourself would ask to be arrested. You should be arrested,” she said. Also Read: India at UN: Pakistan trained the terrorists who forced Kashmiri Pandits to leave the valley Mamata calls for fresh Bengal polls The former West Bengal chief minister also demanded fresh elections in the state using the earlier voter list. “Re-election must be held in West Bengal with the old voter list,” she said. Banerjee added that partners of the INDIA bloc had discussed the issue and would meet soon. Meanwhile, responding to The Indian Express report, the Election Commission said in a statement that all orders issued by the poll body carry full legal sanction. It also said that queries raised by members during the drafting of procedures were part of standard practice.

Mamata Banerjee has demanded CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s arrest and called for fresh West Bengal assembly polls using the old voter list, while alleging that the BJP and Election Commission compromised the electoral process.

Mamata demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's arrest, calls for fresh Bengal polls with old voter list

Hours after a media report revealed deep internal rifts in the Election Commission of India, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress on Wednesday demanded the revival of its earlier impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of undermining the poll body's independence.Rajya Sabha MP and senior TMC leader Derek O'Brien said the party would press to bring out the motion previously submitted by more than 60 Rajya Sabha MPs seeking Kumar's removal. "Five months ago, 60 Rajya Sabha MPs (50 needed) wrote to Chairman RS moving Motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar," O'Brien posted on X. Referring to the latest disclosures, he added: "After big news break today that two Election Commissioners objected to many of CEC's actions, it's time to bring out the RS Motion today. Impeach CEC to save democracy."The trigger for this fresh push was an Indian Express report claiming that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally recorded objections at least 14 times over the past 10 months to key decisions linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The two commissioners allegedly said major orders on voter additions, deletions, restorations and form changes were issued without their knowledge, with some branded "unauthorised and illegal."One of the sharpest points of internal disagreement centred on appeals arising from the SIR exercise in West Bengal. After the Supreme Court directed judicial officers to decide on roughly 60 lakh "logical discrepancy" cases, appellate tribunals headed by retired High Court judges were set up. Of the nearly 38 lakh appeals filed, about 16.1 lakh challenged the inclusion of voters whom those judicial officers had already cleared.In August, according to the Express report, Sandhu formally questioned who had authorised the filing of these appeals on behalf of the Election Commission and who had actually filed them. He recorded that neither he, Joshi, nor the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer had been informed of the basis or process — one of at least 14 objections raised by the two commissioners over ten months, spotlighting concerns over decisions taken without their knowledge and the centralisation of key actions within the Commission.However, sources say all decisions of the Election Commission of India, including those on SIR, have been unanimous and taken with the approval of both Election Commissioners and the Chief Election Commissioner.The nationwide SIR exercise has already led to the deletion of crores of names and drawn sharp opposition criticism for alleged irregularities. In West Bengal specifically, the exercise deleted roughly 90.8 lakh voters — about 12% of the electorate — with deletions disproportionately concentrated in TMC strongholds and Muslim-majority seats. In 160 of the state's 294 constituencies, the number of deleted voters exceeded the eventual winning margin; of those 160 seats, the BJP won 105 against the TMC's 53 — a sharp reversal from 2021, when TMC had carried 140 of these same seats and the BJP just 20. TMC has pointed to this as evidence that SIR significantly amplified its 2026 defeat.A fresh notice of motion, addressed to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, seeks an address to President Droupadi Murmu for Kumar's removal on grounds of "proved misbehaviour." It invokes Article 324(5) of the Constitution, related provisions of the 2023 Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. The notice focuses on alleged acts and omissions by Kumar from March 15, 2026, onwards, and is backed by the required number of members under the applicable rules.The earlier opposition motion, submitted in March by INDIA bloc MPs including a large TMC contingent, had been rejected in April by the Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker without stated reasons. That notice had alleged partisan conduct, obstruction of probes into electoral issues, and mass disenfranchisement tied to the SIR process.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Trinamool Congress revived an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar following reports that two Election Commissioners repeatedly objected to unauthorized decisions made during West Bengal's electoral roll revisions.

Hours after a media report revealed deep internal rifts in the Election Commission of India, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress on Wednesday demanded the revival of its earlier impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of undermining the poll body's independence. Rajya Sabha MP and senior TMC leader Derek O'Brien said the party would press to bring out the motion previously submitted by more than 60 Rajya Sabha MPs seeking Kumar's removal. "Five months ago, 60 Rajya Sabha MPs (50 needed) wrote to Chairman RS moving Motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar," O'Brien posted on X. Referring to the latest disclosures, he added: "After big news break today that two Election Commissioners objected to many of CEC's actions, it's time to bring out the RS Motion today. Impeach CEC to save democracy." The trigger for this fresh push was an Indian Express report claiming that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally recorded objections at least 14 times over the past 10 months to key decisions linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The two commissioners allegedly said major orders on voter additions, deletions, restorations and form changes were issued without their knowledge, with some branded "unauthorised and illegal." One of the sharpest points of internal disagreement centred on appeals arising from the SIR exercise in West Bengal. After the Supreme Court directed judicial officers to decide on roughly 60 lakh "logical discrepancy" cases, appellate tribunals headed by retired High Court judges were set up. Of the nearly 38 lakh appeals filed, about 16.1 lakh challenged the inclusion of voters whom those judicial officers had already cleared. In August, according to the Express report, Sandhu formally questioned who had authorised the filing of these appeals on behalf of the Election Commission and who had actually filed them. He recorded that neither he, Joshi, nor the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer had been informed of the basis or process — one of at least 14 objections raised by the two commissioners over ten months, spotlighting concerns over decisions taken without their knowledge and the centralisation of key actions within the Commission. However, sources say all decisions of the Election Commission of India, including those on SIR, have been unanimous and taken with the approval of both Election Commissioners and the Chief Election Commissioner. The nationwide SIR exercise has already led to the deletion of crores of names and drawn sharp opposition criticism for alleged irregularities. In West Bengal specifically, the exercise deleted roughly 90.8 lakh voters — about 12% of the electorate — with deletions disproportionately concentrated in TMC strongholds and Muslim-majority seats. In 160 of the state's 294 constituencies, the number of deleted voters exceeded the eventual winning margin; of those 160 seats, the BJP won 105 against the TMC's 53 — a sharp reversal from 2021, when TMC had carried 140 of these same seats and the BJP just 20. TMC has pointed to this as evidence that SIR significantly amplified its 2026 defeat. A fresh notice of motion, addressed to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, seeks an address to President Droupadi Murmu for Kumar's removal on grounds of "proved misbehaviour." It invokes Article 324(5) of the Constitution, related provisions of the 2023 Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. The notice focuses on alleged acts and omissions by Kumar from March 15, 2026, onwards, and is backed by the required number of members under the applicable rules. The earlier opposition motion, submitted in March by INDIA bloc MPs including a large TMC contingent, had been rejected in April by the Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker without stated reasons. That notice had alleged partisan conduct, obstruction of probes into electoral issues, and mass disenfranchisement tied to the SIR process.

The Trinamool Congress revived an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar following reports that two Election Commissioners repeatedly objected to unauthorized decisions made during West Bengal's electoral roll revisions.

TMC revives impeachment push against CEC Gyanesh Kumar after report of internal dissent

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