Oppn plans no-confidence motion against CEC

The Opposition is considering bringing a no-confidence motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar after the disposal of a similar motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, which is currently pending before the Lower House, said two senior opposition leaders on Monday.

- HT Correspondent

“Talks have been held with INDIA group allies and all parties are on board to bring a no-confidence motion against Kumar over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls in various states,” said a senior Congress leader, requesting anonymity.

“It will be done one at a time. We expect the notice against Birla will be taken up on Tuesday,” said the Congress leader.

The signatures of at least 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha and at least 50 MPs in the Rajya Sabha are required for the notice to be considered.

According to a 2023 law on the appointment and functions of CEC and ECs, “the Chief Election Commissioner shall not be removed from his office except in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court.” In other words, this means that a CEC can be removed only through impeachment in both Houses of Parliament.