The INDIA opposition alliance is preparing to initiate impeachment proceedings against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, intensifying its clash with the Election Commission following Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of mass voter fraud.
The Congress leader and Lok Sabha’s Leader of the Opposition recently claimed that voter manipulation took place in key states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Haryana, alleging that the Commission tampered with electoral data to favor the ruling BJP. On August 7, Gandhi specifically pointed to the Mahadevapura constituency in Bangalore Central, where he said over 1 lakh “stolen” votes swung the Lok Sabha seat to the BJP, accusing the EC of being complicit.
As per Article 324(5) of the Constitution, the removal of a Chief Election Commissioner requires a process equivalent to impeaching a Supreme Court judge, involving a vote in Parliament.
CEC dismisses allegations, demands proof or apology
In response, Gyanesh Kumar strongly denied Gandhi’s accusations, labeling them unfounded and disrespectful to the Constitution. Speaking at a press conference in Delhi, Kumar called on Gandhi to submit a sworn affidavit backing his claims or issue a formal apology to the nation.
There are only two options: submit a signed affidavit or apologise. If no affidavit is received within seven days, it will be clear that the allegations are without merit, Kumar stated.
Gandhi, however, countered with accusations of bias. The Election Commission demands an affidavit from me. But when BJP leaders make similar claims, no such demand is made, he said, pointing to Union Minister Anurag Thakur as an example.
Opposition rallies behind Gandhi, criticises EC’s response
Several opposition leaders voiced support for Gandhi while questioning the EC’s neutrality. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said the CEC’s tone resembled that of a BJP leader, not that of an impartial official. He sounded like he was defending the ruling party. What about the one lakh voters we highlighted in Mahadevapura? No answers were given, Khera remarked.
RJD’s Manoj Jha accused the EC of sidestepping critical questions, while JMM MP Mahua Maji called on the Commission to verify the documents Gandhi presented at his press event.
What are the allegations
During his August 7 press conference, Gandhi shared what he described as Congress’ research into the Mahadevapura voter rolls, pointing to duplicate entries, fake addresses, and suspicious mass registrations, including claims of 80 voters registered at a single location. He also accused the EC of limiting access to polling booth footage to cover up evidence, saying the webcasting and CCTV data was being wiped after just 45 days.
CEC Kumar defended the Commission’s stance, saying releasing such footage could compromise voter privacy. Should we expose images of women—our mothers, daughters—just to satisfy political allegations? he asked, asserting that only registered voters had cast their ballots.
He also rejected claims of bloated voter lists in Maharashtra, noting that no formal objections were filed during the draft roll period and that no proof had been submitted even months after polling.
Repeating a falsehood doesn’t make it true. The sun doesn’t rise in the west no matter how many times someone says it does, Kumar added, reaffirming the EC’s commitment to fairness and transparency.
Kumar concluded by saying preparations for the Special Intensive Revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls were being conducted openly, supported by the trust of 70 million voters
