A fresh political storm has erupted over the functioning and decision-making process inside India's apex poll body. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is facing severe backlash following revelations that he took unilateral decisions while brushing aside the views and formal objections raised by two fellow Election Commissioners. The controversy has triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties, who are planning street demonstrations to contest the credibility of recent administrative moves.
The 48-Hour Deadline and Warnings of Jantar Mantar 2.0
Stepping directly into the confrontation, Cockroach Janta Party, a youth-led political group that previously spearheaded demonstrations at Jantar Mantar during the NEET paper leak controversy, has opened a direct front against the Chief Election Commissioner. CJP convener Abhijit Dipke issued a categorical 48-hour ultimatum asking Gyanesh Kumar to demit office immediately. The outfit warned that failure to comply within this timeframe will prompt a wave of regional demonstrations across the country, culminating in a major sit-in at Jantar Mantar in the national capital.
Three Demands and Launch of 'Fix Election Commission' Drive
Flanked by co-convener Saurav Das and party spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, the organisation announced a nationwide campaign titled 'Fix Election Commission' to draw public attention to what they describe as the deliberate dilution of voting rights. Outlining their agenda in a formal statement released on their social media platform, CJP laid down three unambiguous terms before the authorities.
First, the outfit insists on the immediate resignation of Gyanesh Kumar along with the initiation of criminal proceedings against him. Second, they demand a complete freeze on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process alongside the restoration of the voter list dated January 2025. Third, the group calls for the total repeal of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, coupled with comprehensive structural reforms in the Commission's setup.
Allegations Over 130 Million Deleted Names From Electoral Rolls
At the center of CJP's agitation is the large-scale removal of electors during the Special Intensive Revision exercise across various provinces. The organisation claims that over 13 crore names have been deleted from voter registers across 30 states and union territories. They argued that the legal burden of proof to justify the omission of any voter from electoral rolls must rest squarely on the Election Commission rather than on disenfranchised citizens.
Addressing the broader political fraternity, Dipke urged opposition parties to take a principled stand, suggesting that if they genuinely believe elections are compromised by rigging, they ought to boycott such electoral contests altogether. This escalation comes against the backdrop of earlier assertions made by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who alleged that significant irregularities and rigging marred the 2024 general election as well as recent state assembly polls. With civic groups now mounting direct pressure, scrutiny on the commission's top leadership continues to intensify.
