The Congress expressed support for the Trinamool Congress’s plan to introduce an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar due to alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision in West Bengal. Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy revealed the intention to impeach the CEC under Article 324 of the Constitution, citing concerns over his actions. Congress leader Udit Raj praised the move, stating that the party had previously raised similar issues regarding the CEC’s conduct.
Responding to the development, Udit Raj highlighted the Congress’s longstanding advocacy on the matter and mentioned instances where the Trinamool Congress did not align with their concerns in the past. Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat criticized the perceived bias of constitutional bodies and accused them of being used against opposition parties. He specifically questioned the conduct of the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar and West Bengal.
Sukhdeo Bhagat further alleged that such processes were being exploited for political gains, pointing out a perceived trend of using these exercises as tools for political advantage. Independent MP Pappu Yadav also supported the call for action against the Chief Election Commissioner, expressing concerns over the perceived lack of independence in the Election Commission’s functioning.
BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi advised opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress, to focus on electoral contests rather than engaging in confrontations with the Election Commission. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar emphasized the need for the opposition to gather requisite signatures from MPs to proceed with the motion to impeach the Chief Election Commissioner.
The process for removing the Chief Election Commissioner mirrors the procedure for the removal of a judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court, requiring proof of misconduct or incapacity. Opposition MPs are now tasked with garnering support from members of both Houses of Parliament to formally advance the impeachment motion.
