Congress demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar resign over alleged illegal orders
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to step down, accusing him of carrying out illegal directives that threaten the nation.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh publicly demanded that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar quit, alleging the CEC has been carrying out illegal orders linked to “G2,” a term Ramesh uses for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Ramesh referenced a recent speech by Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, who described any mass disenfranchisement as arbitrary and a negation of the constitutional order.
He argued that the CEC’s conduct violates the basic structure of the Constitution, specifically Articles 326 and 14, which guarantee voting rights. The party’s attack comes after one outlet reported that election commissioners Sandhu and Joshi had formally objected at least 14 times to decisions made without their knowledge. The Election Commission defended its procedures, stating that all orders are legally sanctioned. Ramesh reiterated that Kumar has lost moral authority to remain in office.
Why it matters
The call for the CEC's resignation raises questions about the integrity of India's electoral process and constitutional safeguards.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report Congress leader Jairam Ramesh demanding the CEC resign, but centrist coverage foregrounds his harsh personal rebuke, while right-leaning coverage foregrounds the alleged illegal orders linked to “G2” and the constitutional arguments.
CENTER
Centrist coverage highlights the leader’s sharp, shame-calling language and frames the demand as a moral indictment of the CEC.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames the demand as a legal accusation of illegal orders tied to “G2” and a violation of constitutional voting rights.
The right emphasises
- alleging the CEC has been carrying out illegal orders linked to “G2”
- the CEC’s conduct violates Articles 326 and 14 of the Constitution
How this story developed
- Sep 23 Election Commission denies internal dissent, says all decisions were unanimous
- Sep 23 Congress senior filed a petition urging the Supreme Court to intervene and summon the Election Commission members.
- Sep 25 A Supreme Court petition seeking criminal prosecution of the chief election commissioner was filed.
- Sep 26 The Election Commission announced that Booth Level Officers will visit voters flagged in the SIR to collect supporting documents, with online hearings and additional help desks to be established.
- Sep 27 Opposition parties announced nationwide rallies and a parliamentary motion to force the CEC’s resignation following the removal of over 130 million voter names.
- Oct 2 The Cockroach Janata Party and a coalition of student activists will protest in Mumbai and New Delhi, calling for Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to step down over disputed voter-list changes.
- Oct 2 The Supreme Court agreed to hear a petition questioning the Election Commission’s decision‑making next week.
- Oct 5 Delhi police deployed roughly 5,000 officers and paramilitary units ahead of two anti‑CEC marches.
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