CEC Gyanesh Kumar Faces Fresh Trouble as Kerala Orders Vigilance Probe Into ₹2 Crore Bribery Complaint

November 6, 2026

New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress is preparing to intensify its campaign demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar from his post. Meanwhile, the initiation of a Vigilance Inquiry in Kerala into old allegations of bribery against him has given a new twist to this political controversy.

These two developments have added a new political dimension to the growing conflict between the opposition and the INDIA alliance over Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition is already campaigning against him over alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls (SIR).

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called a meeting of senior party leaders in Delhi on Friday. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior party officials are expected to attend.

Although officially described as a Diwali get-together, the meeting is considered crucial for determining the future course of action against Gyanesh Kumar. Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has also arrived in the national capital to attend the meeting.

The Congress leadership may discuss ways to advance the demand for the Chief Election Commissioner’s removal, especially since the next session of Parliament is expected to begin later this month. The INDIA alliance is also considering taking new steps in Parliament on this issue.

The opposition previously held a symbolic public impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 31st. This was followed by a large rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1st. The opposition is demanding his removal, alleging alleged irregularities in the electoral process.

Investigation into allegations of demanding a bribe of ₹2 crore in Kerala

Meanwhile, new developments in Kerala could add another political dimension to the Congress campaign. The state’s Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has ordered a preliminary inquiry into a complaint.

The complaint alleges that Gyanesh Kumar, while serving as Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD) in the state government, demanded a bribe of ₹2 crore (approximately $20 million).

The complaint was filed by former contractor Sajan V.O., who was associated with Patibel, a company that received road construction work under the Kerala State Transport Project.

Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham has directed the Special Investigation Unit-I to register a preliminary inquiry and investigate the matter. The investigating agency has also been asked to review documents and statements related to a previous vigilance investigation conducted in 2007.

The complaint claims that four bills worth crores of rupees were withheld due to alleged non-fulfillment of bribe demands.

Parliamentary process for removing CEC separate from vigilance inquiry

The political and legal implications of this investigation initiated in Kerala may become a topic of discussion in the coming days during the ongoing campaign against the Chief Election Commissioner.

However, a vigilance investigation and the parliamentary process for removing the Chief Election Commissioner from office are two separate matters.

According to the Constitution, the process for removing the Chief Election Commissioner from office is similar to that of a Supreme Court judge. This requires the passage of a resolution by a special majority in both houses of Parliament.