- By Nidhi Giri
- Mon, 18 Aug 2025 05:08 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Opposition leaders from Congress, Samajwadi Party, TMC, DMK hit out at the Election Commission and the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Monday amid Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and ‘vote chori’ row. In a press conference at New Delhi's Constitution Club, Opposition leaders came down heavily and accused the CEC of being a "puppet" of the ruling government.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar Defends Election Commission
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar held a press conference on Sunday amid allegations of colluding with the BJP to manipulate electoral rolls in Bihar. During the press conference, he said that those trying to target voters using the EC's shoulders must know that the unfrightened poll body will continue to stand beside the voters.
"Some voters alleged double voting. When asked for proof, no answer was given. Neither the Election Commission nor any voter is afraid of such false allegations. When politics is being done by targeting the voters of India by keeping a gun on the shoulder of the Election Commission, today the Election Commission wants to make it clear to everyone that the Election Commission fearlessly stood like a rock with all the voters of all sections and all religions including the poor, rich, elderly, women, youth without any discrimination, is standing and will continue to stand,” CEC Gyanesh Kumar had said on double voting charges.
Top Updates
-Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused the EC of being ignorant to the charges made by the Opposition and of being "in hands of officers who are taking sides".
-Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra raised the issue of duplicate EPIC voter cards stating that the problem was flagged by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. She further demanded to "dissolve the Lok Sabha immediately" and emphasised the need for action against "past ECs for fraudulent voter lists".
“Absolutely shameful display of puppetry by the Chief Election Commissioner at press conference yesterday. The job of the Election Commission is not to attack the Opposition. Mr Chief Election Commissioner, I would urge that you go back to your political masters," Moitra further said, as quoted by ANI.
-CPM's John Brittas also targeted CEC Gyanesh Kumar, saying he "forfeited his right to remain the CEC". "Seems CEC has declared war on opposition parties and the Election Commission has become B-team of the government," Brittas remarked.
-Amid the political uproar, the INDIA alliance is reportedly planning to move an impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
-A CEC can be removed only through an impeachment motion. The decision was taken at a meeting of INDIA Bloc leaders chaired by Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge.