ECI-SIR Row: The opposition parties, including Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Party, and Shiv Sena (UBT), are likely to meet on September 30 demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar amid the poll rigging allegations. As per the reports, Mamata Banerjee held a detailed conversation with CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby over the phone call on Friday evening. Along with the arch rivals, Congress is also expected to join the protest in Bengal.
Oppn Demands Kumar's Resignation
Earlier on Thursday, a major controversy sparked after an Indian Express report exposed the alleged discontent within the Election Commission. The report suggested that the objections raised by election commissioners Vivek Joshi and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu were not addressed by Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Akhilesh Yadav, and Mamata Banerjee sought resignation of Kumar.
Mamata Dials CMP Gen Secy
In their conversation, Mamata Banerjee reportedly urged Baby to launch a united protest against the chief election commissioner. She also stated that a meeting of INDIA bloc should be called at earliest to raise the issue and seek Kumar's impeachment, reported News18. Apart from this, TMC's general secretary Abhishek Banerjee also reportedly consulted Congress senior leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday allegedly to discuss the strategy.
Rahul Gandhi Demands Probe
Earlier on Friday, Congress staged massive protests in several cities, including Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Guwahati against the CEC. The protest was organized a day after Rahul Gandhi, in a press conference, alleged that the recent assembly elections were rigged. He further accused Kumar of favouring the BJP, further demanding a detailed investigation against him.
Along with the opposition parties, the members of NDA, including Chirag Pawan's LJP and TDP have also reportedly asked the poll body to issue a clarification. However, the Election Commission, in a statement, stated that the suggestions of senior officials were addressed. The poll body further stated that all the decisions were taken mutually.