Opposition Reopens Battle Over CEC Removal With New Notice Submission

A major political confrontation unfolded on Friday after 73 Opposition Members of Parliament submitted a fresh notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar , triggering sharp criticism from the Congress, which called his continuation in office an “assault on the Constitution.”

Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh alleged that it is a “disgrace” that Gyanesh Kumar continues as head of the Election Commission of India , accusing him of acting in favour of the ruling leadership. He claimed the CEC was “doing bidding for the Prime Minister and the Home Minister,” escalating the Opposition’s attack.

The notice, signed by MPs from the Congress, TMC, SP, DMK, Left parties, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP), RJD and IUML, seeks an address to the President for removal under provisions of Article 324(5) of the Constitution along with related legal provisions governing the Election Commission and judicial inquiry procedures.

In a post on social media platform X, Ramesh listed nine specific allegations , including what he described as partisan enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct , administrative lapses, and institutional bias. He also referred to alleged irregularities in voter list revisions in West Bengal and questioned the Commission’s inaction on complaints related to a recent national address by the Prime Minister during election-related periods.

Opposition parties further alleged wilful inaction on complaints , “defective” revision of electoral rolls, and biased administrative decisions in states such as Tamil Nadu.

The notice was reportedly submitted by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and TMC MP Sagarika Ghose to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. According to sources, this latest attempt comes after earlier similar notices in both Houses of Parliament were rejected.

The Congress maintained that the continuation of Gyanesh Kumar as CEC undermines constitutional credibility, while the Opposition insisted the allegations represent a serious institutional concern requiring parliamentary scrutiny.