193 Opposition MPs Sign Notice to Remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar, 130 From Lok Sabha and 63 From Rajya Sabha Back Move

In a major and unprecedented political development, 193 Members of Parliament from opposition parties have signed notices seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. If the process moves forward, it could become the first attempt in India’s history to remove a sitting Chief Election Commissioner through parliamentary procedures.

The notice has been supported by 130 MPs from the Lok Sabha and 63 MPs from the Rajya Sabha. Together, these MPs have crossed the minimum threshold required to initiate the constitutional process for the removal of the country’s top election official.

The notices are expected to be submitted in the Parliament of India on Friday. However, it is still unclear whether the motion will first be introduced in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.

Political analysts say the move could trigger a major confrontation between the opposition alliance and the central government, especially as it directly challenges the leadership of the country’s election watchdog.

First-Ever Attempt To Remove A Chief Election Commissioner?

If the notice is formally accepted and the process begins, it would mark the first time in India’s democratic history that MPs attempt to remove a Chief Election Commissioner from office.

Under parliamentary rules, at least 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha and 50 MPs in the Rajya Sabha must sign a notice to begin the removal process. With 193 MPs already supporting the move, the opposition has comfortably crossed this requirement.

The removal procedure is extremely strict because the Chief Election Commissioner is a constitutional authority. Similar to the removal process of a Supreme Court judge, Parliament must conduct debates and votes before any final decision can be made.

Which Parties Backed The Notice

Sources say the notice has been signed by MPs belonging to several parties associated with the opposition INDIA alliance. These include members of the Indian National Congress, the Trinamool Congress and other opposition parties.

Interestingly, MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party have also reportedly signed the notice, even though the party is no longer officially part of the INDIA bloc. Their participation indicates that concerns regarding the Election Commission may be shared by multiple opposition parties beyond the alliance.

Why Is The Opposition Targeting The Election Commission?

Opposition leaders have repeatedly accused the Election Commission of India of favouring the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party during electoral processes.

One of the biggest issues being raised is the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Election Commission says the exercise is meant to verify and update voter records across states. However, opposition parties claim the process could lead to the removal of genuine voters, which they believe might benefit the ruling party in elections.

These allegations have intensified political tensions and led opposition leaders to demand greater transparency and accountability from the Election Commission.

Mamata Banerjee Raises Voter Deletion Concerns

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also strongly criticised the voter verification exercise. She accused the Election Commission of deleting genuine voters from electoral rolls in West Bengal.

According to her, the removal of legitimate voters could influence election outcomes and weaken democratic processes. Her remarks added further political pressure on the Election Commission and strengthened the opposition’s demand for action against the Chief Election Commissioner.

With the notice expected to be submitted soon, the issue is likely to trigger intense debates inside Parliament. If the motion proceeds, it could lead to one of the most significant constitutional confrontations in India’s political history.

Why are 193 opposition MPs trying to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar?

Opposition MPs claim that certain decisions taken by the Election Commission, especially the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls, may benefit the ruling party. They allege that genuine voters could be removed from electoral lists, which might affect election outcomes.

Has any Chief Election Commissioner ever been removed from office in India?

No Chief Election Commissioner has ever been removed from office in India. The Constitution allows removal only through a strict parliamentary process similar to the removal of a Supreme Court judge. If the current motion proceeds, it would become the first such attempt in Indian history.