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

Bihar Assembly Election 2025 Date Highlights: The Election Commission of India announced the dates for the Bihar Assembly Election on Monday (Oct 6) at 4 pm. The elections will take place in two phases, and the polling will be held on November 6 and November 11. The counting of votes will be done on November 14.Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, held several meetings in the state capital Patna over the weekend.The poll body also met leaders from national and state political parties, including the BJP, JD (U), RJD and Congress, for their suggestions on the election schedule.<h2>Will Chhath Puja become a deciding factor?</h2>Reportedly, leaders have requested the EC to conduct the polls after Chhath Puja for a larger voter turnout. They have also urged to hold the Bihar assembly elections in one or two phases so that migrant voters, who have come to their native places to celebrate the Chatth Puja, can cast their vote and return to their work immediately.The last Assembly elections in 2020 were held in three phases.

Following the announcement of the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 dates, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “The Election Commission has announced the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections. Congratulations to all the people of Bihar for this grand festival of democracy.”He added, “Under the leadership of Modi Ji, the NDA government has pulled Bihar out of Jungle Raj and given it a new direction of development and good governance. Today, Bihar is witnessing historic changes in every sector, along with poor welfare, infrastructure, health, and education.”He further stated, “I am fully confident that the people of Bihar will once again choose the politics of development this time.”

Bihar Assembly Election 2025: ‘Confident people of Bihar will choose politics of development,’ says Amit Shah

CEC Gyanesh Kumar said that voters in Bihar were removed from the list for the following reasons:<ul><li>Deceased voters</li><li>Voters could not provide their citizenship proof</li><li>Some voters migrated from Bihar</li><li>Voters’ names listed multiple times</li></ul>CEC added that the number of individuals in each category is at the level of EROs and AEROs and not with the CEC.

Bihar Assembly Election 2025: CEC Gyanesh Kumar reveals reasons for removal of voters

Central and northern Bihar will go to the polls in the first phase. While border districts near Nepal, including Purnea, Darbhanga, and Madhubani, will go to polls in the second phase.Largely, the 71 assembly constituencies in 16 districts that went to polls in the first phase in 2020 are the same constituencies that will go to polls again in the first phase scheduled for the 6th.

Bihar Assembly Election 2025: 121 seats to go to polls in 1st phase, 122 in 2nd phase

The Election Commission of India in a press conference on Monday (Oct 6) announced Bihar election dates for 2025. The assembly elections for 243 constituencies in the state will be held in two phases, on November 6 and November 11.<a href="">Read full story here.</a>

Bihar Assembly Election 2025: How many phases, how many seats and key polling dates

ECI announced that police will patrol the stations using horses in 250 polling stations. ECI will also monitor fake news on social media and take action against it. It will also take strict measures against violence or threats to voters or candidates.

Bihar Assembly Election 2025: ECI to counter fake news, violence

The Election Commission said the polling in the state will take place in two phases, on November 6 and November 11. The date of counting of votes will take place on November 14.

Bihar Assembly Election 2025: Polling to be held in two phases on Nov 6 and 11

CEC Gyanesh Kumar said that over 90,000 polling stations will be set up for this election. Web casting will be there at all polling stations, and there will be zero tolerance for any violence at the polling stations. Basic amenities will be provided at all polling stations.

Bihar Assembly Election 2025: Over 90,000 polling stations to be set up

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that the total number of electors in the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 is 7.43 crore, including 3.92 crore male and 3.50 crore female electors. This also includes 4.04 lakhs very senior citizens (those above the age of 85) and 14.01 lakhs first time voters.

Bihar Assembly Election 2025: 14 lakh first-time voters, Poll chief says

Total number of constituencies in Bihar Assembly Election is 243, out of which 203 are general, 2 are ST and 38 are SC.

Assembly Constituencies Bihar

The press conference will include an address and presentation by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. This will be followed by questions and answers.

Press conference begins

On Sunday (Oct 5), Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar said that the elections in Bihar will be held before November 22 this year. He added that there are 243 assembly constituencies in the state, including two reserved for STs and 38 for SCs.

Polls to be held before Nov 22

Bihar Assembly Election 2025 Date Live: The Election Commission of India is going to reveal the dates for the Bihar polls on Monday (Oct 6). A day earlier Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that the polling will be held in the state before November 22.

Bihar Assembly Election 2025 Date Highlights: The Election Commission of India announced the dates for the Bihar Assembly Election on Monday (Oct 6) at 4 pm. The elections will take place in two phases, and the polling will be held on November 6 and November 11. The counting of votes will be done on November 14. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, held several meetings in the state capital Patna over the weekend. The poll body also met leaders from national and state political parties, including the BJP, JD (U), RJD and Congress, for their suggestions on the election schedule. Will Chhath Puja become a deciding factor? Reportedly, leaders have requested the EC to conduct the polls after Chhath Puja for a larger voter turnout. They have also urged to hold the Bihar assembly elections in one or two phases so that migrant voters, who have come to their native places to celebrate the Chatth Puja, can cast their vote and return to their work immediately. The last Assembly elections in 2020 were held in three phases.

Bihar Assembly Election 2025 Date Live: The Election Commission of India is going to reveal the dates for the Bihar polls on Monday (Oct 6). A day earlier, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that the polling would be held in the state before November 22.

Bihar Assembly Election 2025 Date Highlights: Polling to take place in two phases on Nov 6 and 11; counting on Nov 14

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.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-indian-pm-led-panel-selects-two-poll-commissioners-699987">India polls 2024: Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Sandhu appointed new election commissioners</a>
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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