Opposition to move impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Opposition leaders consider impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, following protests over electoral roll issues.

The INDIA bloc parties are likely to move an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar in the coming days.

According to sources, Trinamool Congress’ Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha, Satabdi Roy, raised the issue at the INDIA bloc meeting chaired by Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, at his office in Parliament.

Ms. Roy, sources said, underlined that it has been four days since West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee began her protest on March 6 against the deletion of names from the electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision carried out by the Election Commission of India. The poll body released the final electoral rolls for the State on February 28.

Ms. Roy argued that it was crucial for the Opposition to take the next step by moving an impeachment motion against Mr. Kumar. Other Opposition leaders agreed with the suggestion, sources said.

While the Trinamool Congress is piloting the motion, the Opposition is working out the details, including the House in which the motion will be moved. A senior Opposition leader said they have the requisite numbers to introduce the motion in either House.

Article 324(5) of the Constitution says that the CEC can be removed through a parliamentary impeachment process similar to that of a Supreme Court judge. It requires a motion supported by a two‑thirds majority of members present and voting in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The motion may be moved in either House. In the Rajya Sabha, it must be signed by 50 members and in the Lok Sabha by 100 members. The motion must specify the grounds for seeking removal.