Opposition submits fresh removal notice against CEC Gyanesh Kumar in Rajya Sabha with 73 MPs’ backing

In a renewed political move, opposition parties on Friday submitted a fresh notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The notice, backed by 73 Members of Parliament—well above the required 50 signatures—alleges continued partisan conduct and bias in the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct during ongoing elections.

The notice specifically accuses the Chief Election Commissioner of failing to act on complaints related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation on April 18, ahead of Assembly elections in key states. It states that no show-cause notice, advisory or public response was issued despite repeated complaints from opposition parties, raising concerns over neutrality and accountability.

According to details shared by opposition leaders, the motion outlines multiple charges, including allegations of “partisan asymmetry” and failure to uphold constitutional responsibilities. The notice was submitted to the Rajya Sabha Secretary General by leaders including Jairam Ramesh and Sagarika Ghose, reflecting a coordinated effort by several opposition parties.

The move comes shortly after similar notices in both Houses of Parliament were rejected by the presiding officers, who had ruled that the allegations did not meet the constitutional threshold of “misbehaviour” required for removal. Despite this, opposition parties have reiterated their concerns, claiming that the Chief Election Commissioner’s conduct undermines institutional independence.

The latest notice is part of a broader attempt by opposition parties to escalate the issue within Parliament, with indications that they aim to gather wider support for the motion. The development sets the stage for another round of political and procedural scrutiny over the functioning of the Election Commission amid ongoing electoral processes.