Kharge Accuses CEC Gyanesh Kumar of Constitutional Betrayal
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge demands the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging serious electoral misconduct.
Kharge presents six charges against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, including vote theft.
The INDIA bloc plans a major rally on November 1 to protest alleged electoral irregularities.
Traffic restrictions will be in effect in Delhi during the rally.
On October 31, 2026, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge publicly accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of undermining the Constitution during a symbolic impeachment event held in New Delhi. Kharge outlined six serious allegations against Kumar, claiming he orchestrated vote theft and manipulated electoral processes at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. This event marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political tensions surrounding electoral integrity in India.
The backdrop to Kharge's accusations stems from a series of controversial electoral roll revisions and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, which the opposition alleges has disenfranchised millions. Kharge emphasized that the INDIA bloc is not merely opposing the CEC for personal reasons but is fighting to protect the democratic rights of genuine voters. He stressed that Article 326 of the Constitution, which guarantees universal adult franchise, is under threat due to these alleged actions.
In a defense of the electoral process, BJP MP Sambit Patra responded to Kharge's claims by asserting that the voter registration process is designed to ensure that only Indian citizens can vote. He urged those whose names are missing from the electoral rolls to submit Form 6 for rectification. Patra also criticized the Congress for what he termed a mockery of parliamentary procedures, linking the current allegations to historical instances of electoral misconduct.
The implications of these allegations and the upcoming rally on November 1 are significant for the political landscape in India. With over 10 lakh participants expected, the rally aims to galvanize public support against perceived electoral injustices and reinforce the opposition's call for the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. The event is seen as a crucial moment for the INDIA bloc, which seeks to unify various opposition parties under a common cause.
Looking ahead, the INDIA bloc's rally is set to take place at Ramlila Maidan, with traffic restrictions in place across Delhi from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the day of the event. The opposition is mobilizing support from civil society and voters affected by the electoral roll revisions, indicating a broader movement to challenge the current electoral framework and demand accountability from election officials.
