The opposition INDIA bloc on Thursday submitted notices in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
The move was backed by parties including the Congress, DMK and Samajwadi Party. In the Lok Sabha, 130 MPs signed the notice, while 63 MPs signed in the Rajya Sabha.
The bloc has alleged that the CEC has acted in favour of the ruling BJP and that, in opposition-ruled states, many eligible voters are being removed under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The Aam Aadmi Party, led by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, also extended support, and a few Independent MPs signed the notice as well.
This is being described as the first time in India’s parliamentary history that a removal notice has been moved against a Chief Election Commissioner. With the BJP-led NDA holding a majority in both Houses, the motion is widely expected to be defeated, though the opposition says it is meant to increase pressure on the CEC.
