The Election Commission on Wednesday night (Sep 29) removed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) declaration added to Form 6, from its ECINET application portal in states where the revision has concluded. According to Indian Express report, the official confirmation comes four days after the ECI announced that “for non-SIR period, the Forms applicable as per Rules (the Registration of Electors Rules 1960) will be used.” The full Commission had decided on Sep 26 that the requirement would apply only during the exercise. Form 6 is the statutory form used by eligible citizens to apply for inclusion in the electoral roll.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-nine-decisions-sir-ecinet-form-6-internal-rift-1790507131449">Election Commission on 'damage control' : What do nine new decisions mean?</a><h2>What this means?</h2>The declaration -- which has been removed now -- requires new applicants to show details linking themselves or their parents or grandparents to electoral rolls prepared during an earlier SIR. While it has been removed for states where SIR has been completed, it remains available on the ECINET portal in states and Union Territories where the SIR is underway. Therefore, in states where SIR has concluded, the new voters seeking enrolment will only have to fill the statutory Form 6 prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 and will not have to furnish details linking themselves to earlier SIR.&nbsp;<h2>The ECI controversy&nbsp;</h2>The ECI found itself in a major political row after an Indian Express report claimed that two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had objected to several points in the SIR at least 14 times in 10 months. Exposing the rift between the Commissioners and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the report alleged that major decisions regarding voter registration, the deletion/restoration of names, and the handling of the electoral roll database were being issued unilaterally by the CEC without their knowledge or consent. Joshi had objected to changes to the form on the grounds that a form prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, could not be modified without amending the rules. Sandhu had concurred with him. They explained that Form 6 cannot be altered or appended without a legal amendment enacted through the Union Law Ministry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-sir-rti-response-an-jali-bhardwaj-june-24-order-1790516431918">SIR row: RTI response raises questions over EC’s claim of unanimous approval</a><h2>What was decided on Sep 26?</h2>The declaration asking new applicants to link themselves, their parents, or their grandparents to previous SIR rolls was the "additional declaration" that triggered internal dissent within the commission. On Sep 26, after the row created major controversy, the commissioners held a meeting. The ECI legally and procedurally decided that this declaration must only apply during active SIR periods and be entirely removed for non-SIR periods. It also decided that for any voter who receives an SIR notice for being "unmapped" or having "logical discrepancies," Booth Level Officers (BLOs) must physically visit their home to collect the required documents. The BLOs are then responsible for uploading them to the ECINet portal. Following the announcement, the technical removal took effect on Sep 29 late night.

The Election Commission has removed the SIR-linked declaration from Form 6 on its ECINET portal in states where the Special Intensive Revision has concluded. The move follows the EC’s September 26 clarification that standard forms would apply outside SIR periods.

The Election Commission on Wednesday night (Sep 29) removed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) declaration added to Form 6, from its ECINET application portal in states where the revision has concluded. According to Indian Express report, the official confirmation comes four days after the ECI announced that “for non-SIR period, the Forms applicable as per Rules (the Registration of Electors Rules 1960) will be used.” The full Commission had decided on Sep 26 that the requirement would apply only during the exercise. Form 6 is the statutory form used by eligible citizens to apply for inclusion in the electoral roll. Also Read: Election Commission on 'damage control' : What do nine new decisions mean? What this means? The declaration -- which has been removed now -- requires new applicants to show details linking themselves or their parents or grandparents to electoral rolls prepared during an earlier SIR. While it has been removed for states where SIR has been completed, it remains available on the ECINET portal in states and Union Territories where the SIR is underway. Therefore, in states where SIR has concluded, the new voters seeking enrolment will only have to fill the statutory Form 6 prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 and will not have to furnish details linking themselves to earlier SIR. The ECI controversy The ECI found itself in a major political row after an Indian Express report claimed that two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had objected to several points in the SIR at least 14 times in 10 months. Exposing the rift between the Commissioners and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the report alleged that major decisions regarding voter registration, the deletion/restoration of names, and the handling of the electoral roll database were being issued unilaterally by the CEC without their knowledge or consent. Joshi had objected to changes to the form on the grounds that a form prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, could not be modified without amending the rules. Sandhu had concurred with him. They explained that Form 6 cannot be altered or appended without a legal amendment enacted through the Union Law Ministry. Also Read: SIR row: RTI response raises questions over EC’s claim of unanimous approval What was decided on Sep 26? The declaration asking new applicants to link themselves, their parents, or their grandparents to previous SIR rolls was the "additional declaration" that triggered internal dissent within the commission. On Sep 26, after the row created major controversy, the commissioners held a meeting. The ECI legally and procedurally decided that this declaration must only apply during active SIR periods and be entirely removed for non-SIR periods. It also decided that for any voter who receives an SIR notice for being "unmapped" or having "logical discrepancies," Booth Level Officers (BLOs) must physically visit their home to collect the required documents. The BLOs are then responsible for uploading them to the ECINet portal. Following the announcement, the technical removal took effect on Sep 29 late night.

The Election Commission has removed the SIR-linked declaration from Form 6 on its ECINET portal in states where the Special Intensive Revision has concluded. The move follows the EC’s September 26 clarification that standard forms would apply outside SIR periods.

EC rolls back SIR add-on in Form 6 that was objected by two commissioners: What this means

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court demanding the suspension of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with a declaration that decisions on matters pending before the Supreme Court cannot be taken unilaterally by the head of the constitutional body. The petition has been filed by Rakesh Kumar Singh under Article 32 of the Constitution. The plea in the court comes amid several media reports indicating that nearly 14 decisions were taken between October 2025 and August 2026 in the name of the EC despite recorded objections by the other two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. A writ of quo warranto was sought by the petitioner, calling upon the CEC “to show under what authority he has acted, and continues to act, as though entitled individually to exercise the collective decision-making power vested by Article 324 in the Election Commission as a body.”<h3>CEC position cannot be treated as institution</h3>The petition argued that Article 324(1) places the superintendence, direction and control of elections with “a Commission," not with an individual Chief Election Commissioner. Although Article 324(3) names the CEC as Chairman, this constitutional position cannot be treated as the institution itself. It also relied on Section 18 of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. Under this provision, the Commission can regulate its own procedure by unanimous decision; its business should be conducted unanimously as far as possible, and any differences are settled by majority. One of the examples it cited is the alleged change to Form-6 under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, in July 2026. The revised form reportedly requires applicants to state whether they, their parents or their grandparents "exist" in the electoral roll used in the last Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The petition pointed to notes by Commissioners Joshi (May 16, 2026) and Sandhu (May 19 and August 13, 2026), who objected that the change was unauthorised and illegal because the Rules had not been amended."

The plea in the court comes amid several media reports indicating that nearly 14 decisions were taken between October 2025 and August 2026 in the name of the EC despite recorded objections by the other two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court demanding the suspension of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with a declaration that decisions on matters pending before the Supreme Court cannot be taken unilaterally by the head of the constitutional body. The petition has been filed by Rakesh Kumar Singh under Article 32 of the Constitution. The plea in the court comes amid several media reports indicating that nearly 14 decisions were taken between October 2025 and August 2026 in the name of the EC despite recorded objections by the other two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. A writ of quo warranto was sought by the petitioner, calling upon the CEC “to show under what authority he has acted, and continues to act, as though entitled individually to exercise the collective decision-making power vested by Article 324 in the Election Commission as a body.” CEC position cannot be treated as institution The petition argued that Article 324(1) places the superintendence, direction and control of elections with “a Commission," not with an individual Chief Election Commissioner. Although Article 324(3) names the CEC as Chairman, this constitutional position cannot be treated as the institution itself. It also relied on Section 18 of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. Under this provision, the Commission can regulate its own procedure by unanimous decision; its business should be conducted unanimously as far as possible, and any differences are settled by majority. One of the examples it cited is the alleged change to Form-6 under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, in July 2026. The revised form reportedly requires applicants to state whether they, their parents or their grandparents "exist" in the electoral roll used in the last Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The petition pointed to notes by Commissioners Joshi (May 16, 2026) and Sandhu (May 19 and August 13, 2026), who objected that the change was unauthorised and illegal because the Rules had not been amended."

The plea in the court comes amid several media reports indicating that nearly 14 decisions were taken between October 2025 and August 2026 in the name of the EC despite recorded objections by the other two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.

Petition in SC seeks suspension of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, says Election Commission decisions must be collective

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi met at the Election Commission headquarters in New Delhi on Saturday (Sep 26), amid questions over internal differences within the poll panel and the functioning of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.The meeting, held at 3 pm, was followed by a detailed press note in which the Election Commission addressed several issues, including reports of dissent, the SIR process, Form 6, ECINET and a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary.The clarification came after a report by The Indian Express claimed Sandhu and Joshi had objected multiple times to decisions taken by the Commission. The ECI, however, said the SIR order issued on June 24, 2025, covering all states and Union Territories, had the “unanimous approval of the Commission”.The Commission said the schedules for 12 states and UTs issued on October 27, 2025, and for another 19 states and UTs issued on May 14, 2026, were also approved unanimously.<h2>EC explains Cabinet Secretary letter</h2>The poll panel also sought to clarify the controversy surrounding its communication to the Cabinet Secretary. It said the letter was “not related to any policy matter of the Commission or IT division but related to working of an officer on deputation to the ECI”“The work redistribution orders issued by the concerned officer were not actually implemented after the orders of the two Commissioners, and the oversight over the IT division by the DEC was never actually withdrawn,” the ECI added in its press note.<h2>New process for SIR-flagged voters</h2>The Commission said Booth Level Officers will visit voters flagged as “unmapped” or having logical discrepancies to collect documents and upload them on ECINET.Such voters “need not be called for hearing to ERO/AERO office”. Hearings will be held only in exceptional cases and preferably online. An adult family member can also attend on behalf of the elector.The ECI directed officials to organise help desks and special camps for labourers, homeless people, poor citizens and those living in night shelters.<h2>ECINET to undergo review</h2>The Commission has also formed a committee headed by a Senior Deputy Election Commissioner, with an independent IIT or IIIT expert, to review ECINET's compliance with electoral laws.Meanwhile, SIR claims and objections deadlines were extended in Delhi and Maharashtra. Delhi's filing deadline is now October 30, while Maharashtra’s is October 12.The ECI said SIR has been completed in 20 states and UTs, including Bihar and West Bengal. The final elector count will be known after the remaining Phase III states complete the process.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar-led Election Commission meeting addresses SIR dissent reports, clarifies unanimous approvals, eases voter hearings, orders ECINET review and extends claims deadlines.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi met at the Election Commission headquarters in New Delhi on Saturday (Sep 26), amid questions over internal differences within the poll panel and the functioning of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The meeting, held at 3 pm, was followed by a detailed press note in which the Election Commission addressed several issues, including reports of dissent, the SIR process, Form 6, ECINET and a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary. The clarification came after a report by The Indian Express claimed Sandhu and Joshi had objected multiple times to decisions taken by the Commission. The ECI, however, said the SIR order issued on June 24, 2025, covering all states and Union Territories, had the “unanimous approval of the Commission”. The Commission said the schedules for 12 states and UTs issued on October 27, 2025, and for another 19 states and UTs issued on May 14, 2026, were also approved unanimously. EC explains Cabinet Secretary letter The poll panel also sought to clarify the controversy surrounding its communication to the Cabinet Secretary. It said the letter was “not related to any policy matter of the Commission or IT division but related to working of an officer on deputation to the ECI” “The work redistribution orders issued by the concerned officer were not actually implemented after the orders of the two Commissioners, and the oversight over the IT division by the DEC was never actually withdrawn,” the ECI added in its press note. New process for SIR-flagged voters The Commission said Booth Level Officers will visit voters flagged as “unmapped” or having logical discrepancies to collect documents and upload them on ECINET. Such voters “need not be called for hearing to ERO/AERO office”. Hearings will be held only in exceptional cases and preferably online. An adult family member can also attend on behalf of the elector. The ECI directed officials to organise help desks and special camps for labourers, homeless people, poor citizens and those living in night shelters. ECINET to undergo review The Commission has also formed a committee headed by a Senior Deputy Election Commissioner, with an independent IIT or IIIT expert, to review ECINET's compliance with electoral laws. Meanwhile, SIR claims and objections deadlines were extended in Delhi and Maharashtra. Delhi's filing deadline is now October 30, while Maharashtra’s is October 12. The ECI said SIR has been completed in 20 states and UTs, including Bihar and West Bengal. The final elector count will be known after the remaining Phase III states complete the process.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar-led Election Commission meeting addresses SIR dissent reports, clarifies unanimous approvals, eases voter hearings, orders ECINET review and extends claims deadlines.

SIR row: Gyanesh Kumar-led ECI clarifies dissent claims, says key decisions approved unanimously

Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, finds himself in the eye of the storm following reports alleging a rift between two other election commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. They have reportedly objected 14 times within 10 months to several key decisions of the ECI, including developing new modules and portals for centralising the electoral database without their prior approval, alteration of Form 6 for new voter registration without any formal government notification and disenfranchisement of voters in Special Intensive Revision.&nbsp;All three Election Commissioners are completely equal in power, status, and decision-making authority. The Chief Election Commissioner is the one amongst equals to head the institution as chairman, but it does not grant him overruling powers. So, once again, the Election Commission in the world's largest democracy is facing serious credibility challenges, and discussion surrounds one man, Gyanesh Kumar Gupta.&nbsp;<h2>Who is Gyanesh Kumar Gupta?</h2>Gyanesh Kumar was born in Agra in 1964, and studied at IIT Kanpur (BTech) and did coursework in environmental economics at Harvard. He was a 1988 batch in the IAS cadre and served in Kerala with both Left and Congress governments. His last role as administrator was under Amit Shah as Cooperation Secretary. He then retired in January 2024 and joined as Election Commissioner within two months and later took the reins of the Indian apex polling body as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner of India on February 19, 2025.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-xi-us-china-mutual-respect-trade-ai-security-state-visit-1790261968733">Trump hails ‘mutual respect’ in US-China ties while welcoming Xi for second state visit</a>The appointment was controversial not only because the Government amended provisions of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-is-the-2023-ec-appointment-law-under-sc-scrutiny-why-was-it-referred-to-cji-1790236566647"> which changed the selection committee</a>, but also because, just before his appointment, Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigned without completing his tenure. He cited “personal reasons” for his resignation. But several reasons fuelled immense turmoil: firstly, he resigned just ahead of the 2024 General Assembly Election. Secondly, out of the three commissioners, another commissioner, Anup Chandra Pandey, had already retired in February 2024, so he would have known that his resignation would lead to a thinning of leadership just ahead of a crunch election. Thirdly, media reports widely pointed to an internal rift between Goel and then CEC Rajiv Kumar. Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu joined on March 14 to fill the empty seats.Another notable mention in Gyanesh Kumar's portfolio is that he was part of the ‘crack team’ tasked with mapping the legal and administrative framework for removing Article 370, according to a <a href="https://www.newslaundry.com/2026/03/14/from-kashmir-to-ayodhya-to-sir-the-making-of-indias-most-divisive-chief-election-commissioner">Newslaundry profile </a>which cites a book published by BlueKraft Digital Foundation, an organisation which has interviews with Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and several bureaucrats, and “offers a largely hagiographical account of the planning.” As Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation, he was also helping with the formation of Ram Mandir Trust, which became extremely controversial after the recent embezzlement scam.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bishop-robert-barron-communism-comeback-us-fulton-sheen-beatification-1790256985319">Trump's Catholic ally Bishop Barron warns communism is ‘making a comeback’ in US ahead of Sheen beatification</a>Currently, Gyanesh Kumar's daughter, Medha Roopam, District Magistrate of Gautam Buddh Nagar, is in the middle of a legal battle for the preventive detention of a 24-year-old Delhi University student and activist, Akriti Chaudhary, under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) following labour protests in Noida. The Allahabad High Court has already ruled against her and slammed her for being “despotic” and turning UP into an Orwellian dystopia. She then immediately appealed to the Supreme Court, which stayed the ₹5 lakh fine to be paid from her salary to the student and the adverse remarks made against her; however, it quashed the NSA against Akriti.Now Gyanesh Kumar is facing calls for resignation, criminal investigation from opposition leaders, with the newly formed satirical Cockroach Janta Party threatening a nationwide protest.

Who is Gyanesh Kumar? Here is a look at the CEC’s career, appointment and the reported ECI rift over voter rolls, Form 6 and SIR.

Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, finds himself in the eye of the storm following reports alleging a rift between two other election commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. They have reportedly objected 14 times within 10 months to several key decisions of the ECI, including developing new modules and portals for centralising the electoral database without their prior approval, alteration of Form 6 for new voter registration without any formal government notification and disenfranchisement of voters in Special Intensive Revision. All three Election Commissioners are completely equal in power, status, and decision-making authority. The Chief Election Commissioner is the one amongst equals to head the institution as chairman, but it does not grant him overruling powers. So, once again, the Election Commission in the world's largest democracy is facing serious credibility challenges, and discussion surrounds one man, Gyanesh Kumar Gupta. Who is Gyanesh Kumar Gupta? Gyanesh Kumar was born in Agra in 1964, and studied at IIT Kanpur (BTech) and did coursework in environmental economics at Harvard. He was a 1988 batch in the IAS cadre and served in Kerala with both Left and Congress governments. His last role as administrator was under Amit Shah as Cooperation Secretary. He then retired in January 2024 and joined as Election Commissioner within two months and later took the reins of the Indian apex polling body as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner of India on February 19, 2025. Also Read: Trump hails ‘mutual respect’ in US-China ties while welcoming Xi for second state visit The appointment was controversial not only because the Government amended provisions of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, which changed the selection committee, but also because, just before his appointment, Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigned without completing his tenure. He cited “personal reasons” for his resignation. But several reasons fuelled immense turmoil: firstly, he resigned just ahead of the 2024 General Assembly Election. Secondly, out of the three commissioners, another commissioner, Anup Chandra Pandey, had already retired in February 2024, so he would have known that his resignation would lead to a thinning of leadership just ahead of a crunch election. Thirdly, media reports widely pointed to an internal rift between Goel and then CEC Rajiv Kumar. Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu joined on March 14 to fill the empty seats. Another notable mention in Gyanesh Kumar's portfolio is that he was part of the ‘crack team’ tasked with mapping the legal and administrative framework for removing Article 370, according to a Newslaundry profile which cites a book published by BlueKraft Digital Foundation, an organisation which has interviews with Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and several bureaucrats, and “offers a largely hagiographical account of the planning.” As Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation, he was also helping with the formation of Ram Mandir Trust, which became extremely controversial after the recent embezzlement scam. Also Read: Trump's Catholic ally Bishop Barron warns communism is ‘making a comeback’ in US ahead of Sheen beatification Currently, Gyanesh Kumar's daughter, Medha Roopam, District Magistrate of Gautam Buddh Nagar, is in the middle of a legal battle for the preventive detention of a 24-year-old Delhi University student and activist, Akriti Chaudhary, under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) following labour protests in Noida. The Allahabad High Court has already ruled against her and slammed her for being “despotic” and turning UP into an Orwellian dystopia. She then immediately appealed to the Supreme Court, which stayed the ₹5 lakh fine to be paid from her salary to the student and the adverse remarks made against her; however, it quashed the NSA against Akriti. Now Gyanesh Kumar is facing calls for resignation, criminal investigation from opposition leaders, with the newly formed satirical Cockroach Janta Party threatening a nationwide protest.

Who is Gyanesh Kumar? Here is a look at the CEC’s career, appointment and the reported ECI rift over voter rolls, Form 6 and SIR.

Gyanesh Kumar: Who is the CEC at centre of ECI rift over voter rolls?

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke on Thursday threatened to launch a nationwide agitation if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar failed to resign within 48 hours. Dipke claimed that Gyanesh Kumar is the “biggest anti-national in the country”. He said that the government was deciding who gets to vote and who does not since Gyanesh Kumar took over as the Chief Election Commissioner. This comes as a response to the Indian Express investigation, which alleged an internal rift within the top leadership over several key decisions of the apex polling authority of India."If within 48 hours Gyanesh Kumar doesn't resign, the Cockroach Janata Party will start a nationwide agitation. We won't step back till the time Gyanesh Kumar resigns," said CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke in a press conference on Thursday. &nbsp;The Cockroach Janta Party put forward three demands-&nbsp;<ul><li>Resignation of Gyanesh Kumar and initiating criminal proceedings against him.</li><li>Rolling back of the pre-SIR (January 2025) voter list.</li><li>Repealing the 2023 law on appointment of the Election Commissioner</li></ul>“In total, more than 13 crore votes have been deleted. This is not a small number. In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the margin between the opposition and the ruling party (NDA) was just 2%,” said CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. He argued that deleting 13 crore voters is roughly equivalent to the deletion of 13-14% of the total votes.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvey-weinstein-sentenced-15-years-miriam-haley-sexual-assault-1790182424219">Harvey Weinstein gets 15-year prison sentence over Miriam Haley assault</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) Founder Abhijeet Dipke says, &quot;A report concerning the Election Commission that surfaced yesterday proves that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is the country&#39;s biggest traitor. He is the biggest anti-national in this country,… <a href="https://t.co/HfKBMeVpgu">pic.twitter.com/HfKBMeVpgu</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2103049327354822865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“The BJP failed to secure a majority in the 2024 election. The panic button was pressed when they fell short of that majority... They realised then that the mood of the country was shifting and that regional forces were emerging very strongly, be it Uddhav Thackeray in Maharashtra, the NCP, Stalin, Pinarayi Vijayan, Arvind Kejriwal, or Mamata Banerjee. These chief ministers were targeted and defeated one by one.”“In West Bengal, 50,000 votes were deleted from Mamata Banerjee’s constituency, and she lost by a margin of around 15,000 votes. In MK Stalin’s constituency, 100,000 votes were deleted, and he lost by about 45,000 votes. In Delhi, 40,000 votes were deleted from Arvind Kejriwal’s constituency, and he lost by a margin of 4000-5000 votes," said Dipke.&nbsp;The fallout is a direct reaction to the Indian Express investigative report, which quoted internal communication within the Election Commission to suggest that two election commissioners have repeatedly objected to several key decisions, including developing new modules and portals for centralising the electoral database without their prior approval, alteration of Form 6 for new voter registration without any formal government notification and disenfranchisement of voters in Special Intensive Revision. They in fact tried to raise their concerns and wrote separately to Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan. The Election Commission tried to shrug off the concerns by saying that differing opinions are normal in any institution, but it did not issue a specific response to the concerns raised in the report.&nbsp;

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijit Dipke has demanded Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and threatened a nationwide agitation over voter-list revisions.

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke on Thursday threatened to launch a nationwide agitation if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar failed to resign within 48 hours. Dipke claimed that Gyanesh Kumar is the “biggest anti-national in the country”. He said that the government was deciding who gets to vote and who does not since Gyanesh Kumar took over as the Chief Election Commissioner. This comes as a response to the Indian Express investigation, which alleged an internal rift within the top leadership over several key decisions of the apex polling authority of India. "If within 48 hours Gyanesh Kumar doesn't resign, the Cockroach Janata Party will start a nationwide agitation. We won't step back till the time Gyanesh Kumar resigns," said CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke in a press conference on Thursday. The Cockroach Janta Party put forward three demands- Resignation of Gyanesh Kumar and initiating criminal proceedings against him. Rolling back of the pre-SIR (January 2025) voter list. Repealing the 2023 law on appointment of the Election Commissioner “In total, more than 13 crore votes have been deleted. This is not a small number. In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the margin between the opposition and the ruling party (NDA) was just 2%,” said CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. He argued that deleting 13 crore voters is roughly equivalent to the deletion of 13-14% of the total votes. Also Read: Harvey Weinstein gets 15-year prison sentence over Miriam Haley assault

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijit Dipke has demanded Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and threatened a nationwide agitation over voter-list revisions.

Cockroach Janta Party gives Gyanesh Kumar 48 hours to resign, threatens nationwide protest

The Election Commission of India's public unity have been put into question by an investigation by the Indian Express, which shows that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi formally objected 14 times over a period of ten months, four times on a single day, to decisions and processes under CEC Gyanesh Kumar specifically tied to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The exercise has affected roughly 13 crore voters across India.The ECI has attempted to shrug off the controversy, stating that differing opinions among Election Commission members are “a normal part” of the decision-making, while opposition parties have voiced their concern and demanded impeachment of the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-strikes-zelensky-trump-ufa-refinery-1790159202626">Ukraine hits Ufa oil refinery as Russia strikes Kyiv after Zelensky-Trump talks</a><h2>Centralisation of Electoral Roll</h2>According to the Express Investigation, Election Commissioner Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi were kept in the dark about the decisions of ECI; the two commissioners even wrote to the Cabinet Secretary complaining about the change of work allocation that resulted in reduced oversight of the IT backbone of the electoral rolls. In fact, that was the key point of dispute: centralisation of the voter database. The two commissioners flagged that the Electoral Registration Officer, the statutory authority of each constituency's electoral roll, did not have "proper and complete access" to the database in ECINet. In May 2025, Joshi sought an audit by outside IIT experts to certify that “no one, except the concerned statutory authorities, has credentials to make any change in the (voter) database.”&nbsp;It questioned the only explanation given by the Election Commission for years to deny any allegation of electoral manipulation: that the electoral rolls were decentralised. The investigation claimed that the Election Commission's Director General of IT, Seema Khanna, had “no legal authority to restrict proper and complete access and freedom to operate,” the ECInet to the EROs. These discrepancies had led to the overriding of EROs and the blocking of eligible voters. By April 16, Sandhu was recording concerns that the IT division was developing new modules and portals without bringing them to his knowledge, saying he'd learned of some developments through the media rather than a proper briefing.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-dominates-unga-81-guterres-lula-erdogan-israel-war-1790096337223">World leaders repeatedly call Gaza crisis ‘genocide’ as Israel’s war dominates opening sessions of UNGA</a><h2>Form 6 dispute</h2>Alongside the IT dispute, another slugfest broke out over the alteration of Form 6 – statutory in nature – which included new questions about first-time voters' parents and grandparents appearing on the “electoral roll of last SIR.” &nbsp;The Form 6 was linked to the forms of the SIR exercise, which are non-statutory and “a one-time measure and exception”. The portal was coded so that applicants could not proceed with or submit their Form 6 application until this SIR mapping section was answered, acting as a technical gatekeeper. Sandhu and Joshi argued the form is embedded in the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and cannot be altered without formal government notification. Despite the objection, it went live on the portal anyway. Sandhu warned that it risked harassing and disenfranchising first-time voters.&nbsp;<h2>Reactions from ECI and Opposition</h2>ECI sources told journalists that all decisions of the Commission, including SIR, have been unanimous and made with the approval of both Election Commissioners and the CEC; internal differing was part of the decision-making process, directly contradicting the premise of the Express investigation. Despite the attempt, it did not defuse the story; rather triggered the political community, specifically the opposition parties, with repeated calls for the removal of the CEC, Gyanesh Kumar. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called it a “treason”. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal argued that most decisions since June 25, 2025, were not taken by majority despite Joshi and Sandhu's objections, and said the CEC acted without reference to the other two members, in violation of the Commission's own rules. Others like Akhilesh Yadav and CPI(M) MP John Brittas renewed demands for Kumar's removal, with Brittas noting that an April 2026 removal notice already has around 70 signatures.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Two Election Commissioners reportedly objected 14 times over SIR-related decisions for 10 months, flagging concerns over voter rolls, ECINet and ‘illegal, unauthorised’ changes to Form 6 

The Election Commission of India's public unity have been put into question by an investigation by the Indian Express, which shows that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi formally objected 14 times over a period of ten months, four times on a single day, to decisions and processes under CEC Gyanesh Kumar specifically tied to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The exercise has affected roughly 13 crore voters across India. The ECI has attempted to shrug off the controversy, stating that differing opinions among Election Commission members are “a normal part” of the decision-making, while opposition parties have voiced their concern and demanded impeachment of the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar. Also Read: Ukraine hits Ufa oil refinery as Russia strikes Kyiv after Zelensky-Trump talks Centralisation of Electoral Roll According to the Express Investigation, Election Commissioner Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi were kept in the dark about the decisions of ECI; the two commissioners even wrote to the Cabinet Secretary complaining about the change of work allocation that resulted in reduced oversight of the IT backbone of the electoral rolls. In fact, that was the key point of dispute: centralisation of the voter database. The two commissioners flagged that the Electoral Registration Officer, the statutory authority of each constituency's electoral roll, did not have "proper and complete access" to the database in ECINet. In May 2025, Joshi sought an audit by outside IIT experts to certify that “no one, except the concerned statutory authorities, has credentials to make any change in the (voter) database.” It questioned the only explanation given by the Election Commission for years to deny any allegation of electoral manipulation: that the electoral rolls were decentralised. The investigation claimed that the Election Commission's Director General of IT, Seema Khanna, had “no legal authority to restrict proper and complete access and freedom to operate,” the ECInet to the EROs. These discrepancies had led to the overriding of EROs and the blocking of eligible voters. By April 16, Sandhu was recording concerns that the IT division was developing new modules and portals without bringing them to his knowledge, saying he'd learned of some developments through the media rather than a proper briefing. Also Read: World leaders repeatedly call Gaza crisis ‘genocide’ as Israel’s war dominates opening sessions of UNGA Form 6 dispute Alongside the IT dispute, another slugfest broke out over the alteration of Form 6 – statutory in nature – which included new questions about first-time voters' parents and grandparents appearing on the “electoral roll of last SIR.” The Form 6 was linked to the forms of the SIR exercise, which are non-statutory and “a one-time measure and exception”. The portal was coded so that applicants could not proceed with or submit their Form 6 application until this SIR mapping section was answered, acting as a technical gatekeeper. Sandhu and Joshi argued the form is embedded in the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and cannot be altered without formal government notification. Despite the objection, it went live on the portal anyway. Sandhu warned that it risked harassing and disenfranchising first-time voters. Reactions from ECI and Opposition ECI sources told journalists that all decisions of the Commission, including SIR, have been unanimous and made with the approval of both Election Commissioners and the CEC; internal differing was part of the decision-making process, directly contradicting the premise of the Express investigation. Despite the attempt, it did not defuse the story; rather triggered the political community, specifically the opposition parties, with repeated calls for the removal of the CEC, Gyanesh Kumar. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called it a “treason”. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal argued that most decisions since June 25, 2025, were not taken by majority despite Joshi and Sandhu's objections, and said the CEC acted without reference to the other two members, in violation of the Commission's own rules. Others like Akhilesh Yadav and CPI(M) MP John Brittas renewed demands for Kumar's removal, with Brittas noting that an April 2026 removal notice already has around 70 signatures.

Two Election Commissioners reportedly objected 14 times over SIR-related decisions for 10 months, flagging concerns over voter rolls, ECINet and ‘illegal, unauthorised’ changes to Form 6&nbsp;

ECI rift? Two Election Commissioners quietly fought the CEC Gyanesh Kumar for 10 months

As many as 130 Lok Sabha MPs and 63 Rajya Sabha MPs from the opposition benches in the two Houses have signed a notice seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar from his post, sources said on Thursday. The notice is likely to be submitted in at least one of the two Houses on Friday, though it was not clear in which House it would be brought first, reported PTI, citing sources. An opposition leader said that MPs showed great enthusiasm in signing the notice, with several lawmakers coming forward to sign the notice on Thursday, even as the requisite numbers had already been achieved.&nbsp;According to rules, at least 100 MPs must sign a notice seeking the removal of the CEC in the Lok Sabha, while the required strength in the Rajya Sabha stands at 50.If submitted, this would mark the first time that a notice has been given seeking the removal of a chief election commissioner.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-tanker-with-indian-captain-went-dark-to-cross-high-risk-strait-of-hormuz-reach-mumbai-1773315721972">Oil tanker, with Indian captain, went ‘dark’ to cross high-risk Strait of Hormuz, reach Mumbai</a>&nbsp;The notice has been signed by members of parliament from all the INDIA bloc parties, the source said. Even MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is no longer officially part of the bloc, have signed the notice in a bid to group up against the government, said another source.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Seven charges listed in notice against CEC Gyanesh Kumar</h2>&nbsp;The report suggested that seven charges have been listed in the notice against the CEC Gyanesh Kumar, ranging from “partisan and discriminatory conduct in office” to “deliberate obstruction of investigation of electoral fraud” and “mass disenfranchisement.”&nbsp;The Opposition parties have been repeatedly accusing the CEC of aiding the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on several occasions and blamed him after suffering electoral losses.&nbsp;The allegations intensified particularly after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise was started by the Election Commission in several states where elections are due in the coming days. Opposition leaders claim that SIR was aimed at benefiting the ruling party.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-it-struck-taleghan-compound-where-iran-advanced-its-nuclear-programme-1773320992019">Israel says it struck Taleghan compound, where Iran ‘advanced’ its nuclear programme</a>&nbsp;Besides, concerns have also been raised regarding the conduct of the exercise in West Bengal. Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Election Commission of deleting genuine voters during the electoral roll revision exercise. Opposition parties also challenged the exercise in court.&nbsp;Mamata is staging an indefinite protest against the deletion of names during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bengal.&nbsp;<h2>Process for CEC’s removal similar to that for SC or HC judge</h2>&nbsp;The procedure for the CEC’s removal is similar to that for removing a judge of the Supreme Court of India or a high court. The motion for CEC’s removal may be introduced in either House of Parliament and must be passed by a special majority, i.e., a majority of the total membership of the House and a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-passes-controversial-law-for-ethnic-unity-makes-it-must-for-minorities-to-learn-mandarin-1773328454387">China passes controversial law for ethnic unity, makes it must for minorities to learn Mandarin</a>&nbsp;If notices for such a motion are given on the same day in both Houses of Parliament, no committee will be constituted unless the motion has been admitted in both Houses. Once the motion is admitted in both Houses, a committee will be jointly constituted by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

As per rules, at least 100 MPs must sign a notice seeking the removal of the CEC in the Lok Sabha, while the required strength in the Rajya Sabha stands at 50. If submitted, this would mark the first time that a notice has been given seeking the removal of a chief election commissioner.

As many as 130 Lok Sabha MPs and 63 Rajya Sabha MPs from the opposition benches in the two Houses have signed a notice seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar from his post, sources said on Thursday. The notice is likely to be submitted in at least one of the two Houses on Friday, though it was not clear in which House it would be brought first, reported PTI, citing sources. An opposition leader said that MPs showed great enthusiasm in signing the notice, with several lawmakers coming forward to sign the notice on Thursday, even as the requisite numbers had already been achieved. According to rules, at least 100 MPs must sign a notice seeking the removal of the CEC in the Lok Sabha, while the required strength in the Rajya Sabha stands at 50. If submitted, this would mark the first time that a notice has been given seeking the removal of a chief election commissioner. Also Read: Oil tanker, with Indian captain, went ‘dark’ to cross high-risk Strait of Hormuz, reach Mumbai The notice has been signed by members of parliament from all the INDIA bloc parties, the source said. Even MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is no longer officially part of the bloc, have signed the notice in a bid to group up against the government, said another source. Seven charges listed in notice against CEC Gyanesh Kumar The report suggested that seven charges have been listed in the notice against the CEC Gyanesh Kumar, ranging from “partisan and discriminatory conduct in office” to “deliberate obstruction of investigation of electoral fraud” and “mass disenfranchisement.” The Opposition parties have been repeatedly accusing the CEC of aiding the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on several occasions and blamed him after suffering electoral losses. The allegations intensified particularly after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise was started by the Election Commission in several states where elections are due in the coming days. Opposition leaders claim that SIR was aimed at benefiting the ruling party. Also Read: Israel says it struck Taleghan compound, where Iran ‘advanced’ its nuclear programme Besides, concerns have also been raised regarding the conduct of the exercise in West Bengal. Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Election Commission of deleting genuine voters during the electoral roll revision exercise. Opposition parties also challenged the exercise in court. Mamata is staging an indefinite protest against the deletion of names during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bengal. Process for CEC’s removal similar to that for SC or HC judge The procedure for the CEC’s removal is similar to that for removing a judge of the Supreme Court of India or a high court. The motion for CEC’s removal may be introduced in either House of Parliament and must be passed by a special majority, i.e., a majority of the total membership of the House and a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting. Also Read: China passes controversial law for ethnic unity, makes it must for minorities to learn Mandarin If notices for such a motion are given on the same day in both Houses of Parliament, no committee will be constituted unless the motion has been admitted in both Houses. Once the motion is admitted in both Houses, a committee will be jointly constituted by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

As per rules, at least 100 MPs must sign a notice seeking the removal of the CEC in the Lok Sabha, while the required strength in the Rajya Sabha stands at 50. If submitted, this would mark the first time that a notice has been given seeking the removal of a chief election commissioner.

193 opposition MPs sign notice seeking removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar from post

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said on Monday that police will use horses for patrolling in 250 polling booths in the Diara region of Bihar. While patrolling, police will also travel by boats to around 197 stations, according to the news agency PTI.&nbsp;Speaking at a press conference while announcing the schedule of the Bihar assembly polls, Gyanesh Kumar stated that ballot papers on the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will show colour photographs of the candidate.&nbsp;"In Diara region, patrolling will be done by police using horses in at least 250 polling stations. Similarly, polling parties will travel by boat in 197 polling stations," Kumar said.&nbsp;A total of 90,712 polling booths will be established across Bihar for the assembly elections, with more than 7.42 crore people eligible to vote. Since 2015, ballot papers on EVMs have carried black-and-white photographs of candidates, which many voters have reportedly found hard to identify.&nbsp;"The serial number will also be displayed more prominently on the machines," Kumar said. The elections of Bihar's 243 assembly constituencies will take place in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 14.<h3>Gyanesh Kumar says a revision of the voter list is needed</h3>In addition, Gyanesh Kumar said that revision of voter lists is needed before every election, and a review following the polls won't be in accordance with the law, countering the offensive of opposition on the Special Intensive Revision in poll-bound Bihar.&nbsp;He added that the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar resulted in the purification of the voter list of the state after 22 years. "We congratulate the voters of India. Thank you to everyone for the successful SIR process. I appeal to all the voters of Bihar to celebrate this festival of democracy with the same enthusiasm as you celebrate Chhath. Everyone should vote and ensure their participation," he also said.

A total of 90,712 polling booths will be established across Bihar for the assembly elections, with more than 7.42 crore people eligible to vote. Since 2015, ballot papers on EVMs have carried black-and-white photographs of candidates, which many voters have reportedly found hard to identify.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said on Monday that police will use horses for patrolling in 250 polling booths in the Diara region of Bihar. While patrolling, police will also travel by boats to around 197 stations, according to the news agency PTI. Speaking at a press conference while announcing the schedule of the Bihar assembly polls, Gyanesh Kumar stated that ballot papers on the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will show colour photographs of the candidate. "In Diara region, patrolling will be done by police using horses in at least 250 polling stations. Similarly, polling parties will travel by boat in 197 polling stations," Kumar said. A total of 90,712 polling booths will be established across Bihar for the assembly elections, with more than 7.42 crore people eligible to vote. Since 2015, ballot papers on EVMs have carried black-and-white photographs of candidates, which many voters have reportedly found hard to identify. "The serial number will also be displayed more prominently on the machines," Kumar said. The elections of Bihar's 243 assembly constituencies will take place in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 14. Gyanesh Kumar says a revision of the voter list is needed In addition, Gyanesh Kumar said that revision of voter lists is needed before every election, and a review following the polls won't be in accordance with the law, countering the offensive of opposition on the Special Intensive Revision in poll-bound Bihar. He added that the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar resulted in the purification of the voter list of the state after 22 years. "We congratulate the voters of India. Thank you to everyone for the successful SIR process. I appeal to all the voters of Bihar to celebrate this festival of democracy with the same enthusiasm as you celebrate Chhath. Everyone should vote and ensure their participation," he also said.

A total of 90,712 polling booths will be established across Bihar for the assembly elections, with more than 7.42 crore people eligible to vote. Since 2015, ballot papers on EVMs have carried black-and-white photographs of candidates, which many voters have reportedly found hard to identify.

Bihar assembly elections 2025: Police to patrol on horses, boats? Here's what we know

The Election Commission of India on Thursday denied Rahul Gandhi's allegation that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is shielding people who are involved in voter deletion schemes. In response to Rahul Gandhi, the Election Commission asserted, "Allegations made by Shri Rahul Gandhi are incorrect and baseless. No deletion of any vote can be done online by any member of the public, as misconceived by Shri Rahul Gandhi.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-75-top-policy-decisions-1758088742745">PM Modi at 75: 10 major policy decisions that defined his decade in power</a>&nbsp;According to a report by The Hindu on the Karnataka CID's probe into a systematic attempt to remove names of 5,994 voters from electoral rolls by forging Form 7 in the Aland Assembly constituency in Kalaburagi district, the Election Commission has delayed the sharing of crucial data required to catch the culprit. As a result, the probe has gone cold. EC admitted that such attempts were made in 2023, but without any success, and ECI itself had reported the matter to the police authority. Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Karnataka CID has written to the ECI 18 times in the last 18 months, but the apex poll body did not share any data on this.Rahul Gandhi had also alleged that the attempt to delete voters from the voter list was systematically carried out across countries using automated software. He used examples from Karnataka's Aland and Maharashtra's Rajouri constituencies. Rahul Gandhi has also claimed that they are receiving insider information from the ECI, and it won't stop.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/complete-list-prime-minister-modi-s-international-travel-1758020879275">Prime Minister Modi’s international travel: Complete list of Prime Ministerial visits abroad</a>&nbsp;“Gyanesh Kumar ji, do your job, and you have taken an oath…Give the details to the Karnataka CID. We will demonstrate the Hydrogen bomb…I told my team that I won’t go up that stage unless we have 100% proof," warned Mr Gandhi.&nbsp;<h2>Controversial appointment of Gyanesh Kumar</h2>CEC Gyanesh Kumar has a past marred by controversy. His hasty, midnight appointment and removal of the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee by introducing changes in the Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, was widely criticised. The law allowed a Union Minister in the selection committee by giving control to the ruling party. Notably, Gyanesh Kumar, a 1998 batch IAS, had his last role as Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, under Amit Shah.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-s-vote-chori-claim-voter-roll-irregularities-and-eci-s-data-secrecy-1754754335814">Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Vote Chori’ claim strengthened by independent findings of voter roll irregularities, ECI criticised for data secrecy</a>&nbsp;

The Election Commission has dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s charge that CEC Gyanesh Kumar is shielding those behind voter deletion schemes. Rahul cited Karnataka’s Aland case, where the CID sought data on forged voter deletions, but the EC admitted only failed attempts were made in 2023

The Election Commission of India on Thursday denied Rahul Gandhi's allegation that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is shielding people who are involved in voter deletion schemes. In response to Rahul Gandhi, the Election Commission asserted, "Allegations made by Shri Rahul Gandhi are incorrect and baseless. No deletion of any vote can be done online by any member of the public, as misconceived by Shri Rahul Gandhi.” Also Read: PM Modi at 75: 10 major policy decisions that defined his decade in power According to a report by The Hindu on the Karnataka CID's probe into a systematic attempt to remove names of 5,994 voters from electoral rolls by forging Form 7 in the Aland Assembly constituency in Kalaburagi district, the Election Commission has delayed the sharing of crucial data required to catch the culprit. As a result, the probe has gone cold. EC admitted that such attempts were made in 2023, but without any success, and ECI itself had reported the matter to the police authority. Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Karnataka CID has written to the ECI 18 times in the last 18 months, but the apex poll body did not share any data on this. Rahul Gandhi had also alleged that the attempt to delete voters from the voter list was systematically carried out across countries using automated software. He used examples from Karnataka's Aland and Maharashtra's Rajouri constituencies. Rahul Gandhi has also claimed that they are receiving insider information from the ECI, and it won't stop. Also Read: Prime Minister Modi’s international travel: Complete list of Prime Ministerial visits abroad “Gyanesh Kumar ji, do your job, and you have taken an oath…Give the details to the Karnataka CID. We will demonstrate the Hydrogen bomb…I told my team that I won’t go up that stage unless we have 100% proof," warned Mr Gandhi. Controversial appointment of Gyanesh Kumar CEC Gyanesh Kumar has a past marred by controversy. His hasty, midnight appointment and removal of the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee by introducing changes in the Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, was widely criticised. The law allowed a Union Minister in the selection committee by giving control to the ruling party. Notably, Gyanesh Kumar, a 1998 batch IAS, had his last role as Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, under Amit Shah. Also Read: Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Vote Chori’ claim strengthened by independent findings of voter roll irregularities, ECI criticised for data secrecy

The Election Commission has dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s charge that CEC Gyanesh Kumar is shielding those behind voter deletion schemes. Rahul cited Karnataka’s Aland case, where the CID sought data on forged voter deletions, but the EC admitted only failed attempts were made in 2023

EC denies Rahul Gandhi's allegation on CEC Gyanesh Kumar as “incorrect and baseless”

The Election Commission of India (EC) on Sunday pushed back against demands for polling booth CCTV footage, saying sharing it would breach voter privacy. The comments came after Rahul Gandhi accused the Commission of turning a blind eye to what he called “vote chori (theft)”. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar took a tough stance at a press conference in Delhi, calling the Opposition’s remarks an “insult of the Constitution”.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-vote-theft-allegations-insult-of-the-constitution-cec-refutes-oppn-s-charge-of-bias-in-bihar-s-sir-1755423718094">‘Vote theft allegations an insult, few leaders misleading voters:’ CEC refutes Oppn’s charge of bias</a><h2>CEC hits back at Rahul Gandhi’s allegations</h2>Without naming the Congress MP directly, the CEC said, “The ‘chori’ charges are shots being fired at the voters by perching a gun on the EC’s shoulder.” He added, “We want to make it clear, that the EC has fearlessly stood by voters from across sections and religions, and will continue to stand by them like a rock.”<h2>Why machine-readable voter lists were not shared</h2>On the demand for machine-readable voter rolls, the CEC pointed to a 2019 Supreme Court ruling. “The Supreme Court has already held that it could breach a voter’s privacy,” he said. The Commission also cited instances where photos of voters were used in the media without their consent. Kumar warned that such actions put individuals’ rights at risk.<h2>The row over CCTV footage at polling booths</h2>Responding to the push for surveillance footage, Kumar said, “Should the Election Commission share CCTV videos of anyone’s mother, daughter-in-law, sister, or of anyone else?” He argued that with nearly 1.3 crore officials and agents monitoring elections, the process is already transparent. “In such a transparent process, can anyone steal votes?” he asked. The EC said it had seen no proof to back allegations of proxy or duplicate voting.<h2>Rahul Gandhi doubles down in Bihar</h2>Even as the EC briefed the press, Rahul Gandhi addressed a rally in Bihar, accusing the Commission of shielding irregularities during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. “The entire country knows what the Election Commission is doing,” he told supporters in Sasaram. “Earlier, the country did not know how votes were being stolen. But we made it clear in the press conference how votes are being stolen. Whenever the theft is happening… we will catch the theft and show the people,” he added.The Commission had earlier asked Gandhi to provide proof under oath. At Sunday’s briefing, Kumar declared, “If within seven days I don’t get the oath, it means he is a liar and he blamed my voters as liars.” He also said false accusations “can scare neither the EC nor any voter”.

The Election Commission rejected demands for CCTV footage, citing voter privacy, and called Rahul Gandhi's vote theft claims an insult to the Constitution, defending its impartiality and commitment to voters.

The Election Commission of India (EC) on Sunday pushed back against demands for polling booth CCTV footage, saying sharing it would breach voter privacy. The comments came after Rahul Gandhi accused the Commission of turning a blind eye to what he called “vote chori (theft)”. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar took a tough stance at a press conference in Delhi, calling the Opposition’s remarks an “insult of the Constitution”. Also read: ‘Vote theft allegations an insult, few leaders misleading voters:’ CEC refutes Oppn’s charge of bias CEC hits back at Rahul Gandhi’s allegations Without naming the Congress MP directly, the CEC said, “The ‘chori’ charges are shots being fired at the voters by perching a gun on the EC’s shoulder.” He added, “We want to make it clear, that the EC has fearlessly stood by voters from across sections and religions, and will continue to stand by them like a rock.” Why machine-readable voter lists were not shared On the demand for machine-readable voter rolls, the CEC pointed to a 2019 Supreme Court ruling. “The Supreme Court has already held that it could breach a voter’s privacy,” he said. The Commission also cited instances where photos of voters were used in the media without their consent. Kumar warned that such actions put individuals’ rights at risk. The row over CCTV footage at polling booths Responding to the push for surveillance footage, Kumar said, “Should the Election Commission share CCTV videos of anyone’s mother, daughter-in-law, sister, or of anyone else?” He argued that with nearly 1.3 crore officials and agents monitoring elections, the process is already transparent. “In such a transparent process, can anyone steal votes?” he asked. The EC said it had seen no proof to back allegations of proxy or duplicate voting. Rahul Gandhi doubles down in Bihar Even as the EC briefed the press, Rahul Gandhi addressed a rally in Bihar, accusing the Commission of shielding irregularities during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. “The entire country knows what the Election Commission is doing,” he told supporters in Sasaram. “Earlier, the country did not know how votes were being stolen. But we made it clear in the press conference how votes are being stolen. Whenever the theft is happening… we will catch the theft and show the people,” he added. The Commission had earlier asked Gandhi to provide proof under oath. At Sunday’s briefing, Kumar declared, “If within seven days I don’t get the oath, it means he is a liar and he blamed my voters as liars.” He also said false accusations “can scare neither the EC nor any voter”.

The Election Commission rejected demands for CCTV footage, citing voter privacy, and called Rahul Gandhi's vote theft claims an insult to the Constitution, defending its impartiality and commitment to voters.

‘Should we share videos of mothers, sisters?’: Here's why EC is refusing to share CCTV footage amid Rahul Gandhi’s ‘vote chori’ charge

The Election Commission of India holds a live press conference on the Bihar voter list controversy amid heated debates over Aadhaar and citizenship

Voter fraud row: CEC Gyanesh Kumar addresses press conference 

The selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India. Gyanesh Kumar will be replacing incumbent CEC Rajiv Kumar who will be retiring from his services on February 18.

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as India's new chief election commissioner

Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday (Feb 17) was appointed as India&rsquo;s new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). He succeeds CEC Rajiv Kumar, who will be demitting from office on Tuesday (Feb 18).
A notification issued by the Indian Ministry of Law and Justice announced that President Droupadi Murmu was pleased to appoint Gyanesh Kumar, Election Commissioner, as Chief Election Commissioner in the Election Commission of India, with effect from February 19, 2025.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gyanesh-kumar-appointed-indias-new-chief-election-commissioner-as-rajiv-kumars-tenure-ends-8730551">Gyanesh Kumar appointed India&rsquo;s new Chief Election Commissioner as Rajiv Kumar&rsquo;s tenure ends</a>
He is the first CEC to be appointed under the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, a new law on the appointment of the members of the Election Commission (EC).
<h2>Who is Gyanesh Kumar?</h2>
Incoming CEC Gyanesh Kumar is a retired IAS officer from the 1988-batch Kerala cadre. He will serve as India&rsquo;s Chief Election Commissioner starting Wednesday (Feb 19)
During his tenure as the 26th CEC, he will oversee assembly polls in Bihar later this year. And in 2026, he will oversee assembly elections in Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
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<h2>Education and career</h2>
Gyanesh Kumar studied B. Tech in Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, Business Finance in ICFAI, India and Environmental Economics at HIID, Harvard University, US.
As per news agency ANI, he has worked in various capacities of the Kerala government. He worked as the assistant collector of Ernakulam, sub-collector of Adoor, managing director of the Kerala State Development Corporation for SC/ST, and municipal commissioner of the Corporation of Cochin, besides holding other posts.
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As a secretary to the government of Kerala, he handled diverse departments, such as finance resources, fast-track projects and the public works department.
In the government of India, he has rich experience working as the joint secretary in the Ministry of Defence. He has also worked as joint secretary and additional secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation. He retired after superannuating on January 31, 2024.

India News | Learn about Gyanesh Kumar's background as a retired IAS officer, his educational achievements from IIT Kanpur and Harvard, and his government service experience.

Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday (Feb 17) was appointed as India’s new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). He succeeds CEC Rajiv Kumar, who will be demitting from office on Tuesday (Feb 18). A notification issued by the Indian Ministry of Law and Justice announced that President Droupadi Murmu was pleased to appoint Gyanesh Kumar, Election Commissioner, as Chief Election Commissioner in the Election Commission of India, with effect from February 19, 2025. Also read | Gyanesh Kumar appointed India’s new Chief Election Commissioner as Rajiv Kumar’s tenure ends He is the first CEC to be appointed under the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, a new law on the appointment of the members of the Election Commission (EC). Who is Gyanesh Kumar? Incoming CEC Gyanesh Kumar is a retired IAS officer from the 1988-batch Kerala cadre. He will serve as India’s Chief Election Commissioner starting Wednesday (Feb 19) During his tenure as the 26th CEC, he will oversee assembly polls in Bihar later this year. And in 2026, he will oversee assembly elections in Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Also read | Tesla posts 13 job openings in India after CEO Elon Musk's meeting with PM Modi Education and career Gyanesh Kumar studied B. Tech in Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, Business Finance in ICFAI, India and Environmental Economics at HIID, Harvard University, US. As per news agency ANI, he has worked in various capacities of the Kerala government. He worked as the assistant collector of Ernakulam, sub-collector of Adoor, managing director of the Kerala State Development Corporation for SC/ST, and municipal commissioner of the Corporation of Cochin, besides holding other posts. Also read | India polls 2024: Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Sandhu appointed new election commissioners As a secretary to the government of Kerala, he handled diverse departments, such as finance resources, fast-track projects and the public works department. In the government of India, he has rich experience working as the joint secretary in the Ministry of Defence. He has also worked as joint secretary and additional secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation. He retired after superannuating on January 31, 2024.

Who is Gyanesh Kumar, India's newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner?

India: Gyanesh Kumar appointed as Chief Election Commissioner

Retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu on Thursday (Mar 14) were named as the new Election Commissioners by a high-level committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

The two positions in the commission were vacant after the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey on February 14 and the sudden resignation of Arun Goel on March 8. Goel would have become chief election commissioner (CEC) after incumbent Rajiv Kumar retires&nbsp;in February next year.&nbsp;

In an official statement, the Ministry of Law and Justice said: "In exercise of powers conferred by Section 4 of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023 (Act No. 49 of 2023), the President is pleased to appoint Gyanesh Kumar, IAS (Retd.) and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, IAS (Retd.), as Election Commissioners in the Election Commission of India, with effect from the date they assume charge of their office."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-sukhbir-singh-sandhu-indias-new-election-commissioner-700174">Who is Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, India's new election commissioner</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Gyanesh Kumar?&nbsp;</h2>

Gyanesh Kumar is an IIT-Kanpur graduate and did&nbsp;BTech in Civil Engineering. He also has a postgraduate degree in economics from Harvard University.&nbsp;

He retired as secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation on January 31, 2024. He also served as the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and oversaw the abrogation of Article 370 during his tenure in the home ministry.&nbsp;

He is a 1988-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre. As the resident commissioner of Kerala in Delhi, he was deputed by the state government to evacuate 46 nurses stuck in Erbil in war-torn Iraq in 2014.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-indian-pm-led-panel-selects-two-poll-commissioners-699987">Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Sandhu appointed India's new election commissioners</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;'One Nation, One Election' Explained; What is it and How it will work&nbsp;

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Now he has been appointed as the Election Commissioner. Rajya Sabha on December 12 passed a bill to regulate the appointment and service terms of Chief Election Commissioners and election commissioners. The bill replaces the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.&nbsp;

The first task before the new election commissioner will be to ensure the successful conduct of the Lok Sabha polls which are slated to be held in April-May this year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu on Thursday (Mar 14) were named as the new Election Commissioners by a high-level committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu on Thursday (Mar 14) were named as the new Election Commissioners by a high-level committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two positions in the commission were vacant after the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey on February 14 and the sudden resignation of Arun Goel on March 8. Goel would have become chief election commissioner (CEC) after incumbent Rajiv Kumar retires in February next year. In an official statement, the Ministry of Law and Justice said: "In exercise of powers conferred by Section 4 of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023 (Act No. 49 of 2023), the President is pleased to appoint Gyanesh Kumar, IAS (Retd.) and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, IAS (Retd.), as Election Commissioners in the Election Commission of India, with effect from the date they assume charge of their office." Also read: Who is Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, India's new election commissioner Who is Gyanesh Kumar? Gyanesh Kumar is an IIT-Kanpur graduate and did BTech in Civil Engineering. He also has a postgraduate degree in economics from Harvard University. He retired as secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation on January 31, 2024. He also served as the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and oversaw the abrogation of Article 370 during his tenure in the home ministry. He is a 1988-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre. As the resident commissioner of Kerala in Delhi, he was deputed by the state government to evacuate 46 nurses stuck in Erbil in war-torn Iraq in 2014. Also read: Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Sandhu appointed India's new election commissioners Watch: 'One Nation, One Election' Explained; What is it and How it will work × Now he has been appointed as the Election Commissioner. Rajya Sabha on December 12 passed a bill to regulate the appointment and service terms of Chief Election Commissioners and election commissioners. The bill replaces the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991. The first task before the new election commissioner will be to ensure the successful conduct of the Lok Sabha polls which are slated to be held in April-May this year. (With inputs from agencies)

Meet Gyanesh Kumar, the new Election Commissioner of India. He oversaw abrogation of Article 370

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led selection committee has finalized the names of two new election Commissioners weeks ahead of the general elections in the country. Leader of opposition Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury who was part of the three-member committee containing one more cabinet minister has revealed the names of the selected poll officials after the meeting that ended minutes ago. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said Sukhbir Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar have been elected as the new election Commissioners.

New Election Commissioners selected, Gyanesh Kumar & Sukhbir Sandhu to be new ECs

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