Thiruvananthapuram: In a major political escalation over the integrity of the Election Commission, the Kerala Legislative Assembly is set to introduce a formal resolution on Monday seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan will present the resolution under Rule 118, with full backing from the Left Democratic Front (LDF). The three National Democratic Alliance (NDA) members in the assembly are expected to oppose the motion. The move comes amid expanding student-led demonstrations in New Delhi pressing for the CEC's immediate resignation.

Restoring faith in electoral integrity

The resolution emphasises that decisive action is essential to rebuild public confidence in the Election Commission following widespread concerns regarding its impartiality. To safeguard democratic and constitutional principles, the resolution demands a comprehensive overhaul of the voter list revision process to restore voting rights for all eligible citizens left out due to administrative errors.

Key demands outlined in the motion

1. Removal of the CEC: Initiating formal statutory procedures to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

2. Reconstitution of selection panel: Restructuring the Chief Election Commissioner selection committee to explicitly comprise the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a representative from the Supreme Court of India to preserve institutional autonomy.