Why Are MPs Demanding the Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar?

Opposition MPs to March for Election Commission Accountability

New Delhi: Members of the INDIA coalition are set to march from Parliament to the Election Commission's headquarters on Tuesday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This call for resignation arises from allegations regarding irregularities in the electoral roll revision process.

In anticipation of the march, extensive security measures and barricades have been established around both Parliament and the Election Commission's office. Security personnel were deployed well in advance of the MPs' arrival.

Key opposition figures, including Rajya Sabha leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha leader Rahul Gandhi, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, are expected to participate in the demonstration.

The MPs are gathering at Makar Dwar in Parliament and plan to commence their march to Nirvachan Sadan, the Election Commission's headquarters, at 11 AM.

Before the march, opposition members raised concerns about the security arrangements and reiterated their demand for Kumar's resignation, referencing the Supreme Court's remarks regarding changes to Form 6, which is the official application for voter enrollment.

Congress MP Imran Masood criticized Kumar for undermining public confidence in the Election Commission, stating, "The institution led by Gyanesh Kumar was once trusted and respected nationwide. Now, that trust has been compromised by one individual."

He further alleged that a broader conspiracy is at play, asserting, "We will hold Gyanesh Kumar accountable, and the BJP chief ministers must respond to our inquiries."

CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar noted that the Supreme Court's recent comments have bolstered the opposition's stance against the additional declaration linked to Form 6 during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

He claimed that a press release from the Commission on September 26, which stated that the Supreme Court had ratified the entire process related to Form 6, was misleading.

Labeling the Chief Election Commissioner as a "Cheating Election Commissioner," the CPI leader indicated that opposition parties have been protesting against these provisions since 2025 and plan to escalate their efforts.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned the extensive security presence ahead of the march, emphasizing that the MPs intend to proceed peacefully.

"We are MPs and citizens of this country. Why is such a large force necessary to prevent us? We will march unarmed," he stated.

Raut also pointed out the deployment of Border Security Force and CISF personnel, along with increased security around ministers' residences.

He accused Kumar of misleading the public regarding the Supreme Court's stance on Form 6, asserting that the CEC lacks the moral authority to remain in his position.

The Supreme Court clarified on Monday that it had not endorsed any modified version of Form 6 and would review the Election Commission's records to determine if any changes were made and who authorized them. This statement was made during a hearing of a petition challenging Kumar's unilateral decisions.

In its September 26 announcement, the Commission claimed that the declaration attached to Form 6 for SIR had been upheld by the Supreme Court, while forms specified under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, would be utilized outside the SIR period.

This march occurs amidst an opposition campaign addressing alleged irregularities in the SIR process and reports of discord within the three-member Commission. The poll body has denied claims of division, asserting that decisions regarding SIR were made collectively.