INDIA bloc to stage symbolic 'impeachment' of CEC Gyanesh Kumar at Kharge's residence
New Delhi: The opposition INDIA bloc will stage a symbolic 'public impeachment' of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Friday, October 30, intensifying its campaign against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The parliamentary-style programme will begin at 3.30 pm at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence in New Delhi. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar will preside, with Rahul Gandhi, Kharge and around 40 speakers expected to participate.
Announcing the event, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged that the opposition had been denied other venues.
“Having been denied other locations, the INDIA janbandhan will be holding a public impeachment of Gyanesh Kumar at 10, Rajaji Marg, New Delhi at 3.30 pm on Friday, Oct 30, 2026,” Ramesh wrote.
“The CEC has demonstrably violated the letter and spirit of the Constitution. He has systematically subverted the very foundations of our electoral democracy. He has, to put it bluntly, lied to the Supreme Court. He has been the willing executioner on behalf of the Diabolical Duo whose turn will come next,” he alleged.
CPM MP John Brittas said the proceedings would include opposition representatives, civil society members and people claiming to have been affected by SIR.
“We have decided it would not be a mock impeachment. It would be the reflection of the aspirations of the people. We would have a proper impeachment process with a presiding officer there. Former Speaker... will be presiding over it. Representatives from different parties will speak. LoP, Rajya Sabha, would move the motion, and discussion would be summed up by LoP, Lok Sabha. There will be representatives from civil society. Victims of SIR will also give evidence,” Brittas said.
Kharge accused the Election Commission's leadership of acting under political influence.
“The conduct of Gyanesh Kumar and the scheme to dismantle democratic norms—acting on the directives of Modi-ji and Shah-ji—are making every effort to destroy democracy,” he told ANI.
Challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conduct elections using ballot papers, Kharge said, “They are mocking the demand for ballot papers. Well, do it then! If you have the courage, dissolve Parliament and conduct the elections on ballot paper.”
Congress leader Kumari Selja reiterated the demand for Kumar's resignation.
“The fight is in the people’s court. Democracy is the people’s right. The right to vote is the people’s. It is every citizen’s,” she said.
The INDIA bloc will also hold a rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1 against alleged 'Vote Chori'.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged citizens to participate.
“The fight against Vote Chori is a fight to protect every Indian’s right to choose. The Vote Loot in Bengal and across other states demand answers, not silence!” she wrote.
“When the vote is under threat, silence is not an option. Let us stand together to DEFEND our DEMOCRACY and SAVE our CONSTITUTION,” she added.
Delhi Police has issued conditional clearance for the rally, which must conclude by 5 pm.
Meanwhile, BJP president Nitin Nabin reviewed preparations for the party's 'Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy' campaign.
“Democracy is in safe hands. The trust of democracy in public lies in PM Modi. If democracy is in the hands of PM Narendra Modi, then democracy is absolutely safe,” Nabin said.
Separately, Citizens for Democracy will organise a mock Parliament titled 'Democracy vs Anarchy' in Delhi on October 30.