Priyanka Gandhi Alleges BJP Protecting CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Says INDIA Bloc United on ECI Row

September 26, 2026

Malappuram: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday accused the BJP leadership of “shielding” Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and alleged that serious wrongdoing against democracy could not take place without the support of the leadership.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Malappuram in Kerala, Vadra said the INDIA Bloc parties were united over the allegations surrounding the Election Commission of India (ECI). Her remarks came amid reports of differences among the Election Commissioners over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

Priyanka Gandhi Demands Action Against CEC

Vadra said the INDIA alliance was clear in its position and alleged that the developments surrounding the poll panel were “illegal” and “anti-constitutional”.

She also called for the removal of legal safeguards available to Election Commissioners, arguing that if an office-holder was found to have committed illegal acts, legal action should be possible.

Vadra further demanded CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and said he should face criminal proceedings over what she described as serious wrongdoing. Her allegations and demands have not been established as facts.

INDIA Bloc Parties Discuss ECI Row

The Congress MP said opposition parties were united on the issue and that the INDIA Bloc parties were likely to meet in New Delhi on September 30 to discuss the ECI controversy and other matters.

Opposition parties have stepped up their demands for action against Kumar following reports of disagreements within the Election Commission. The Election Commission has maintained that its decisions, including those related to the SIR process, were taken through its institutional decision-making process.

Vadra Questions BJP’s Election Claims

Vadra also reiterated her criticism of the BJP, describing the party as “overconfident” and questioning its statements ahead of elections.

She claimed that public sentiment on the ground did not always match election results and referred to what she described as the BJP’s previous predictions about the number of seats it would win.