Opposition Bloc Considers Impeachment Motion Against Chief Election Commissioner

The INDIA bloc is considering an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing allegations of voter theft and bias in favor of the ruling party. The motion would require a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament to pass. While the Opposition does not have enough numbers to pass the motion, it is seen as a protest against the CEC's conduct.

The INDIA bloc is contemplating an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, citing allegations of voter theft and bias in favor of the ruling party. This move comes amidst escalating tensions between the opposition and the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain has stated that the party is ready to use all democratic tools, including an impeachment motion if needed, though no formal discussions have been held so far [1]. The Opposition INDIA bloc is planning to move an impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, which would require a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament to pass [4].

The allegations of voter theft have been a contentious issue, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accusing the ECI of colluding with the BJP in "vote theft" [2]. Gyanesh Kumar has refuted these claims, asking Gandhi to either furnish a signed affidavit or apologize to the nation for his remarks [1]. The CEC has also asked for an affidavit from Rahul Gandhi, while not requiring one from BJP MP Anurag Thakur when he made similar allegations [1].

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has urged opposition parties to refrain from disrupting Parliament over issues related to the ECI [1]. The Monsoon Session of Parliament resumed after Independence Day, with the Opposition continuing to protest against the ECI's actions, including the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) [4].

The impeachment motion, if brought, would highlight the escalating political tensions and the Opposition's stance against the ECI's conduct. However, the Opposition does not currently have enough numbers to pass the motion, making it a symbolic protest rather than a genuine threat to Gyanesh Kumar's position.

References:

[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/opposition-parties-likely-to-bring-impeachment-motion-notice-against-cec-sources/articleshow/123357122.cms
[2] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rahul-hits-back-at-ec-says-its-helping-bjp-steal-votes/articleshow/123351443.cms
[3] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/former-chief-election-commissioner-rajiv-kumar-is-in-india-sources/articleshow/123276759.cms
[4] https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/india-bloc-mulls-impeachment-notice-against-cec-gyanesh-kumar-amid-rahul-gandhis-vote-chori-row-11755496016568.html