Oppn parties mull impeachment of CEC, accuse him of acting like BJP spokesperson

Taking strong exception to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's comments a day earlier at a press conference, Opposition parties on Monday accused the Election Commission of India of failing to discharge its constitutional duty of ensuring a free and fair electoral system.

- NARESH BISWANI

NEW DELHI:

Opposition parties of the INDIA bloc said they were considering bringing an impeachment motion against CEC Kumar, whom they alleged was acting like a "BJP spokesperson."

Addressing a press conference, representatives of eight prominent parties — Congress, TMC, SP, DMK, RJD, CPI(M), AAP and SS-UBT — said the CEC had "failed" to answer their questions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and issues related to voter list irregularities, and instead chose to attack them at his press conference on Sunday.

The EC has "completely failed" in discharging its constitutional duty of ensuring a free and fair electoral system in the country. It has now become clear that the EC is not being led by officers who can ensure a level playing field, a joint statement on behalf of 20 opposition political parties alleged.

"The right to vote is the most important right given by the Constitution to a common citizen. Democracy depends on it. EC is the body meant to protect it... But we can see that the CEC did not reply to the important questions being raised by political parties, and is running away from his responsibility," Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi said at the press conference.

TMC's Mahua Moitra echoed the demand of some other opposition leaders that the Lok Sabha should be dissolved as the last elections were held on a "faulty" voter list.

CPI(M) leader John Brittas said the opposition parties firmly believe that the CEC has "forfeited the right to be in that constitutional position and has declared war on opposition parties by holding a press conference."

Asked how serious they were in moving a motion in Parliament to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Gogoi said, “The issue has been discussed and to a great extent an agreement has been reached. We will take the right decision at the right time.” RJD’s Manoj Jha said, “All parliamentary and legal options are open before us and will be used.”