Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Assembly passed a resolution demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar from his post. Citing allegations regarding the functioning of the Election Commission, it also demanded changes in the committee that appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.
Moved by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, the resolution was passed with amendments. Three Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members present in the Assembly opposed it.
Allegations of irregularities in the SIR process
Moving the resolution on Monday, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan expressed concern over alleged irregularities during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. The resolution alleged that there have been reports of eligible voters being removed without clear criteria or prior notice.
The resolution stated that alleged technical glitches and irregularities in the process threaten to impact the voting rights of marginalized communities, minorities, migrant workers, and young voters.
It also cited media reports alleging that the Election Commission limited the powers of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) in preparing voter lists through software systems and made amendments to Form 6 contrary to existing rules.
The resolution also cited reports that a majority of the Commission’s members disagreed with these measures.
Demand for Corrective Action from the Election Commission
The resolution demanded that the Election Commission address the alleged irregularities and restore the voting rights of all eligible citizens excluded from the electoral rolls.
It stated that, as a constitutional body, the Election Commission should operate impartially and independently of government influence. According to the resolution, alleged manipulation of voter lists undermines public confidence in the electoral process.
Proposal to amend the CEC’s Appointment Committee
The resolution passed in the Assembly also demanded the reconstitution of the committee that appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.
According to the resolution, this committee should include the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
It stated that excluding the CJI from the current appointment system and changing the committee’s composition has compromised the impartiality of the appointment process.
BJP MLA expresses opposition by introducing amendment
During the discussion on the resolution, BJP MLA V. Muraleedharan introduced amendments. He demanded that, following allegations that Form 6 was amended in violation of the 1960 Voter Registration Rules, it be added that the Election Commission has dismissed the related media reports as false.
He also suggested adding to the resolution that vested interests should strongly condemn attempts to tarnish the image of the constitutional institution, the Election Commission.
Citing serious questions about the Election Commission’s impartiality, the resolution called on the Central Government and the Election Commission to take steps to remove the Chief Election Commissioner from office. It stated that it was essential to protect democracy and constitutional values, as well as to safeguard citizens’ voting rights guaranteed under Article 326 of the Constitution.