What’s Behind the INDIA Bloc's Bold Move to Impeach the Chief Election Commissioner?

The INDIA bloc is set to hold a 'public impeachment' of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, led by former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar. This event, scheduled for October 30, aims to address allegations of 'vote theft' and other irregularities. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will initiate the proceedings, with Rahul Gandhi concluding the motion. The gathering will feature leaders from various opposition parties, emphasizing unity in the fight for electoral integrity. As tensions rise, the opposition seeks to highlight the perceived threats to democracy and the electoral process. Stay tuned for more updates on this significant political event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 29, 2026, 22:38 IST

INDIA Bloc's Public Impeachment of CEC

New Delhi: Meira Kumar, the former Lok Sabha speaker, is set to lead the INDIA bloc's 'public impeachment' of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 30. The event will commence with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge initiating the motion, followed by concluding remarks from former party chief Rahul Gandhi, as per sources.

Leaders from the INDIA bloc convened at Kharge's residence to finalize the details of this symbolic protest against the CEC, which they claim is in response to the 'vote theft' controversy.

Among those present were Congress general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh, K C Venugopal, and notable figures from other parties, including TMC's Derek O'Brien and SP's Harendra Malik.

Sources indicate that Kumar will preside over the impeachment proceedings, with Kharge formally moving the motion and Gandhi delivering the final remarks before its adoption.

Invitations have been extended to INDIA bloc MPs for the event titled 'The Public Impeachment of Gyanesh Kumar,' scheduled to take place at 10, Rajaji Marg, starting at 3:30 PM.

In a statement to the media in Bengaluru, Kharge emphasized that the opposition's protests are ongoing due to the alleged 'vote theft and mischief' attributed to the CEC.

"We are committed to protesting this issue, and support from all parties is evident. Tomorrow, we will hold a mock Parliament, and on November 1, a rally will take place with participants from across the nation. In a democracy, it is essential to fight for awareness among the people," Kharge remarked.

Following the meeting, Congress media head Pawan Khera noted that the group discussed the procedural aspects of the public impeachment.

"Most leaders from the INDIA bloc were present, and we reviewed all necessary points for the impeachment process," he stated.

Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, expressed the desire to address significant issues related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the alleged vote theft, aiming to highlight the public's grievances and the threats to democracy.

SP's Harendra Malik mentioned that only one representative from each party would speak during the impeachment event.

"It has been agreed that either the party leader will address the gathering or appoint someone to speak on their behalf," he added.

On Wednesday, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh revealed that, after being denied other venues, the 'INDIA janbandhan' would hold the public impeachment at Kharge's residence at 3:30 PM on October 30.

"The CEC has clearly violated constitutional principles and undermined our electoral democracy. He has, frankly, misled the Supreme Court," Ramesh stated on X.

"He has acted as a willing accomplice for the Diabolical Duo, whose time will come next," he added, seemingly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

The Congress party has accused the government of attempting to suppress the voices of the public after allegedly compromising the electoral system.