CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Opposition Now Demands Removal of Gyanesh Kumar Over SIR Controversy
A fresh controversy has erupted over the functioning of the Election Commission in connection with the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, of the electoral roll. A media report has claimed that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi registered written objections 14 times in the past 10 months over the commission’s decisions and procedures. These are said to include issues related to voter registration, deletion and restoration of names, changes in Form-6, and voter data.
After the report surfaced, opposition leaders raised questions about Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and demanded that the process to remove him from office be initiated. CPI(M) MP John Brittas asked Parliament to begin the process in this regard. He claimed that the two election commissioners had formally recorded objections to several decisions.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and other opposition leaders also demanded accountability in the matter. RJD MP Manoj Jha said questions raised from within the Election Commission must be answered and demanded the resignation of the CEC. TMC leader Derek O'Brien, meanwhile, spoke of moving forward with a proposal in the Rajya Sabha for the removal of the CEC.
However, sources linked to the Election Commission have denied claims of any formal disagreement among the commissioners. According to an NDTV report, commission sources said decisions, including those related to the SIR, were taken at the level of the commission. Given the gap between the allegations that have emerged and the commission’s position, further official information on the entire matter will be significant.
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