The BRICS TimesSeventy-three opposition MPs formally submitted a new removal notice against CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Friday. The charges include nine specific counts of alleged misconduct. The opposition calls his continued presence in office an assault on India’s Constitution.
Opposition Takes Fresh Shot at Chief Election Commissioner
In a major political development, opposition parties on Friday submitted a brand new notice in the Rajya Sabha. Their goal is to move a formal motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This move comes after two earlier attempts by the opposition that were rejected by the presiding officers of both Houses of Parliament.
The fresh charges against Kumar focus on what the opposition calls “proved misbehaviour.” Among the listed offences is “continued partisan asymmetry in the enforcement of Model Code of Conduct.” The opposition also points to the poll panel’s refusal to act on multiple complaints. Those complaints relate to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “address to the nation” on April 18, delivered just ahead of assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
Congress and TMC Submit Notice to Rajya Sabha Secretary General
Congress and TMC leader Sagarika Ghose formally handed the notice to the Rajya Sabha Secretary General. The Congress party confirmed this move on social media platform X.
“In the Rajya Sabha, 73 opposition MPs have just submitted a new notice of motion to their Secretary General to present an addressed resolution to the President of India, urging the removal from office of the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar,” Congress said on X.
The party also laid out the legal basis for the demand. “This demand is based on proven misconduct arising from his actions and errors committed on March 15, 2026 and thereafter, which falls under Article 324(5) of the Constitution of India when read with Article 124(4), as well as Section 11(2) of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968,” the statement read.
The notice, bearing 73 signatures, crosses the minimum threshold of 50 required for such a motion. Parties including Congress, TMC, SP, DMK, Left parties, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP), RJD, IUML, and other like-minded parties signed the document.
Congress Lists Nine Specific Charges Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
The Congress made clear that this is not a vague political attack. The party said there are now nine specific charges against the CEC. These have been recorded in “extreme detail” and cannot be “denied or suppressed.”
“His continued hold on the position is an assault on the Constitution. It is utterly shameful that this individual remains in office, so that he can continue to act on the directions of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister,” the Congress said.
The notice calls on the President to act under constitutional provisions. It invokes the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, alongside the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
Earlier Removal Notices Were Rejected by Both Houses
This is the third attempt by the opposition to force CEC Gyanesh Kumar out of office. Earlier notices in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha faced rejection. The presiding officers of both Houses turned them away. They held that the allegations, even if assumed to be true, did not meet the high constitutional bar of “misbehaviour” required for the removal of a CEC.
The opposition had previously accused Kumar of a “failure to maintain independence and constitutional fidelity.” They also alleged he was working under the “thumb of the executive.” Despite those rejections, the bloc of opposition parties chose not to back down. Friday’s fresh notice shows they intend to keep up the pressure on the Election Commission of India and on CEC Gyanesh Kumar directly.
