The INDIA bloc will hold symbolic impeachment proceedings against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence on Friday after failing to secure permission to use public venues. Chaired by former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, the mock parliamentary session is part of the Opposition’s campaign against alleged irregularities in electoral rolls across the country.
Meira Kumar to chair mock Parliament session
The event is scheduled for 3.30 pm on October 30 at 10, Rajaji Marg in New Delhi. Kharge, who also serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, will introduce a resolution against Kumar, while Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is expected to deliver the concluding address.
The programme was finalised during a meeting of INDIA bloc representatives at Kharge’s residence on Thursday. Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh and K C Venugopal attended the meeting, along with representatives of the Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Left parties.
During the mock proceedings, representatives of participating parties will present their arguments against the Chief Election Commissioner. Civil society representatives and voters who claim their names were deleted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls are also expected to share their experiences, allowing the alliance to highlight individual cases alongside its broader allegations.
Congress alleges permission denied for public venues
The decision to hold the event at Kharge’s residence came after the Congress said it had failed to obtain permission to organise it at Ashok Hotel or Ramlila Maidan. Party leaders have accused the authorities of obstructing the programme and alleged that the restrictions were politically motivated.
The symbolic proceedings will precede an Opposition rally scheduled for November 1 at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. Through the rally, the INDIA bloc aims to intensify its campaign against what it calls “vote chori”, or vote theft, and has urged constituent parties to mobilise supporters for the demonstration.
Why does the INDIA bloc want Gyanesh Kumar removed?
The Opposition’s campaign centres on the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Congress and other INDIA bloc parties allege that the exercise risks excluding eligible voters and have questioned Kumar’s handling of the process. They have demanded his resignation or removal, arguing that the integrity of electoral rolls is essential to free and fair elections.
Can Parliament remove the Chief Election Commissioner?
The Chief Election Commissioner cannot be removed through a symbolic vote or a mock parliamentary session. Under Article 324 of the Constitution, the CEC can be removed only through a process similar to that applicable to a Supreme Court judge. Removal requires a special majority in both Houses of Parliament, followed by action by the President.
Friday’s event will therefore serve as a political demonstration rather than a formal constitutional proceeding. The INDIA bloc is expected to use it to consolidate its allegations and draw attention to voters who say they have been affected by the electoral roll revision ahead of its November 1 rally.
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