File photo: CEC Gyanesh Kumar NEW DELHI: Opposition parties on Wednesday voiced support for a proposal by the All India Trinamool Congress to move an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.The proposal was announced by Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy, who said the party would seek Kumar’s removal under Article 324 of the Constitution of India, which governs the powers and functioning of the Election Commission.“We will bring an impeachment motion against the CEC as per Article 324 of the Constitution. We have many complaints regarding his functioning,” Roy said, according to news agency IANS.PollDo you support the proposed impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner?YesNoHe also claimed that a large number of voters had been placed under scrutiny during the electoral roll revision exercise.“59 lakh voters are on the Adjudication list, which is a huge number. What Mamata Banerjee is saying is right… We will move it in the Rajya Sabha in a few days,” Roy said, as quoted by news agency ANI. Congress backs proposal, cites concerns over voter rollsThe Indian National Congress welcomed the Trinamool Congress’ move, saying it had been raising concerns about alleged irregularities in voter lists for some time.Congress leader Udit Raj said the party would support the motion.“It is a welcome step. We have been fighting on this issue for quite some time,” he told IANS.He added that Congress had earlier raised concerns about alleged vote deletions and irregularities in voter turnout during elections in several states.Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat also criticised the conduct of the electoral roll revision exercise.“The way the Special Intensive Revision has been conducted in Bihar and West Bengal raises questions,” Bhagat said, alleging that such exercises were sometimes used as political tools.Independent MP from Purnia Pappu Yadav also backed the demand for action against the Chief Election Commissioner.“At present, it seems as though the Election Commission is no longer acting independently. There is a need to bring an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner,” he said.The Samajwadi Party also supported the proposal, with MP Dharmendra Yadav saying the party would stand with the Trinamool Congress in the impeachment move.BJP criticises opposition moveLeaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party criticised the opposition’s proposal, arguing that political parties should focus on electoral contests instead of targeting the Election Commission.BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said opposition parties should channel their energy into elections rather than confronting the poll body.Union minister Sukanta Majumdar said the opposition lacked the numbers needed to move such a motion and noted that the matter was currently under judicial scrutiny.“First, let them bring it up—right now they don’t have the numbers. The most important thing is that they are questioning the Election Commission while the matter is still sub-judice. The Supreme Court is monitoring the entire issue,” he said.BJP MP Anurag Thakur also accused the Congress of undermining constitutional institutions in the past.“The Congress used to appoint just about anyone as Election Commissioner and cripple the Election Commission,” Thakur said, as quoted by news agency PTI.Process for removal of CECOpposition MPs are expected to begin collecting signatures from members of both Houses of Parliament to formally move the motion.Under parliamentary rules, a notice for the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner requires signatures from at least 100 members of the Lok Sabha and 50 members of the Rajya Sabha.The procedure for removing the CEC is similar to that for the removal of a judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court and requires proof of misbehaviour or incapacity. The motion must be passed in Parliament by a special majority, according to parliamentary provisions.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi Assures Safety Of Indians Amid West Asia War, Slams Cong-Left For ‘Creating Panic’Historic Ruling: After 13 Years In Coma, Supreme Court Allows Passive Euthanasia For Harish RanaOpposition Flags ‘Emergency Situation’, Slams Modi Govt as LPG Shortage Looms Amid West Asia War‘I Was Silenced’: Rahul Gandhi Repeats ‘PM Compromised’ Jibe, BJP Fiercely Hits Back At His ClaimsTrump Announces $300 Reliance Investment To Build Oil Refinery In Texas, Thanks ‘Partners In India’Indian Shops Attacked In London By Masked Gang, Restaurants And Stores Targeted In Wembley’We Agree To Remain…’: Jaishankar Calls Up Iran FM Araghchi Amid Looming Energy Crisis Due To War’Good Actors’: White House On ‘Temporary Permission’ To India Over Russian Oil PurchasesModi Meets Jaishankar, Puri As India Secures Energy Routes Amid Iran WarUAE Ambassador Slams Tehran Strikes, Says India’s Voice ‘Carries Weight’ In West Asia123PhotostoriesSilent bone loss can begin after 30 in women: Doctors explain why it happens and the simple steps that can help keep bones strongDipika Kakar gets emotional over upcoming blood tests amid cyst removal surgery; says, ‘Abhi ek darr baith gaya hai’8 ancient food preservation methods that are still practiced4 meditation challenges to build your focusHow does the home of Pope Leo XIV , the Apostolic Palace look from inside8 coolest places in India for that perfect summer vacationIndian cricketer Ishan Kishan’s stunning car collection: From a powerful Mustang to a luxury Mercedes and Audi Q76 hands-on jobs surprisingly safe from AI, according to Anthropic’s reportMeet the cast of ‘Project Hail Mary’: From Ryan Gosling to Sandra Hüller, and moreWhy some people brush their rotis with water before eating?123Hot PicksStrait of Hormuz naval minesChina Yj-12 missileUCC gender biasCovid vaccine compensation policyIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingIran War Impact on IndiaParliament Budget SessionGold Price PredictionMumbai TemperatureSouth Asia Country Diesel and Petrol PriceUS Iran War ImpactUAE F-16Brain dead womenBombay high courtMiddle East War
File photo: CEC Gyanesh Kumar
NEW DELHI: Opposition parties on Wednesday voiced support for a proposal by the All India Trinamool Congress to move an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.The proposal was announced by Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy, who said the party would seek Kumar’s removal under Article 324 of the Constitution of India, which governs the powers and functioning of the Election Commission.“We will bring an impeachment motion against the CEC as per Article 324 of the Constitution. We have many complaints regarding his functioning,” Roy said, according to news agency IANS.
Poll
Do you support the proposed impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner?
He also claimed that a large number of voters had been placed under scrutiny during the electoral roll revision exercise.“59 lakh voters are on the Adjudication list, which is a huge number. What Mamata Banerjee is saying is right… We will move it in the Rajya Sabha in a few days,” Roy said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
Congress backs proposal, cites concerns over voter rolls
The Indian National Congress welcomed the Trinamool Congress’ move, saying it had been raising concerns about alleged irregularities in voter lists for some time.Congress leader Udit Raj said the party would support the motion.“It is a welcome step. We have been fighting on this issue for quite some time,” he told IANS.He added that Congress had earlier raised concerns about alleged vote deletions and irregularities in voter turnout during elections in several states.Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat also criticised the conduct of the electoral roll revision exercise.“The way the Special Intensive Revision has been conducted in Bihar and West Bengal raises questions,” Bhagat said, alleging that such exercises were sometimes used as political tools.Independent MP from Purnia Pappu Yadav also backed the demand for action against the Chief Election Commissioner.“At present, it seems as though the Election Commission is no longer acting independently. There is a need to bring an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner,” he said.The Samajwadi Party also supported the proposal, with MP Dharmendra Yadav saying the party would stand with the Trinamool Congress in the impeachment move.
BJP criticises opposition move
Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party criticised the opposition’s proposal, arguing that political parties should focus on electoral contests instead of targeting the Election Commission.BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said opposition parties should channel their energy into elections rather than confronting the poll body.Union minister Sukanta Majumdar said the opposition lacked the numbers needed to move such a motion and noted that the matter was currently under judicial scrutiny.“First, let them bring it up—right now they don’t have the numbers. The most important thing is that they are questioning the Election Commission while the matter is still sub-judice. The Supreme Court is monitoring the entire issue,” he said.BJP MP Anurag Thakur also accused the Congress of undermining constitutional institutions in the past.“The Congress used to appoint just about anyone as Election Commissioner and cripple the Election Commission,” Thakur said, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Process for removal of CEC
Opposition MPs are expected to begin collecting signatures from members of both Houses of Parliament to formally move the motion.Under parliamentary rules, a notice for the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner requires signatures from at least 100 members of the Lok Sabha and 50 members of the Rajya Sabha.The procedure for removing the CEC is similar to that for the removal of a judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court and requires proof of misbehaviour or incapacity. The motion must be passed in Parliament by a special majority, according to parliamentary provisions.
