Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday issued a strong warning to the BJP over its continued support for Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Gandhi claimed that Kumar would not remain in his position for long and hinted that the Opposition could reveal significant information about him during a symbolic Parliament session organised by the INDIA bloc in Delhi. Addressing the Opposition's event, Gandhi said, “Gyanesh Kumar won't survive as CEC. If the BJP insists on keeping him after what we reveal, we'll know what its game is.” The BJP strongly criticised the Opposition's mock 'public impeachment' proceedings against Kumar, describing the exercise as a "mockery" of democracy and Parliament. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra accused the Congress of spreading false claims about alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He also mocked Rahul Gandhi, suggesting that the Opposition should appoint him as its 'mock Prime Minister' for life.

INDIA Bloc Unanimously Passes Resolution to Impeach CEC

The INDIA bloc unanimously adopted a resolution seeking the impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during its symbolic proceedings in the national capital. Supporting the Opposition's campaign against the CEC, Rahul Gandhi said Kumar should face trial for "treason" and that justice must be delivered. Opposition parties have repeatedly criticised the Election Commission chief over alleged electoral irregularities and concerns surrounding the revision of voter lists. The Opposition's symbolic proceedings followed several accusations against Kumar and the Election Commission regarding the conduct of elections and the SIR exercise.

Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP of Undermining Democratic Institutions

During the mock 'public impeachment' proceedings, Gandhi accused the BJP of using its influence to restrict the Opposition's access to democratic institutions. He questioned why opposition leaders were forced to gather in a garden to discuss the proposed impeachment of the CEC. "It is absurd that the entire Opposition has to sit in a garden to discuss the CEC's impeachment as every institution is closed for us," he said. Gandhi also accused the BJP of manipulating elections and warned that neither opposition leaders nor the people of India would forget the alleged electoral malpractice. "BJP may continue to rig elections, but people of India, opposition members won't forgive and forget," Rahul said. The Congress leader's remarks reflected the Opposition's growing confrontation with the Election Commission over allegations of electoral manipulation and irregularities in voter registration and deletion processes.

BJP's Sambit Patra Takes a Dig at Rahul Gandhi

Responding to the Opposition's proceedings, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra launched a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi. He questioned the Congress leader's political capabilities and said he lacked the momentum required to advance politically. "This 'satellite' is never going to launch," he said. Patra also made sarcastic remarks about Gandhi's position in the Opposition, suggesting that INDIA bloc leaders should turn their mock Parliament into a permanent arrangement for him. Taking pot-shots at Rahul Gandhi, Patra said, “And I have a humble request: please, do not dismantle this mock parliament you have created. Just seat Rahul Gandhi on the treasury benches. Leave the T-shirt, have him wear a 'kurta-pyjama' and let him sit there while you chant 'Prime Minister, Prime Minister' like a 'bhajan-kirtan' every single day. Keep him as your 'mock Prime Minister' for life; we have absolutely no objection.” Patra dismissed the Opposition's proceedings as a "drama" and rejected its allegations concerning changes to Form 6, the application form used by citizens to register themselves as voters. He also accused Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge of making false claims about the matter.

Opposition Lists Six Charges Against Chief Election Commissioner

At a press conference held at the BJP headquarters, Patra accused the Congress of misleading the public through allegations about the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and the functioning of the Election Commission. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc's resolution, passed later in the day, stated that its MPs had collectively agreed to seek Kumar's impeachment over six charges levelled against him. The allegations include electoral manipulation, the deletion of voters' names from electoral rolls and irregularities during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The Opposition also held Kumar directly responsible for what it described as a "manipulated, truncated and destructive" SIR process. Furthermore, the resolution accused the CEC of weakening the Election Commission's independence and enabling alleged electoral irregularities. The Opposition maintained that these actions had undermined public confidence in the country's electoral system.

INDIA Bloc Prepares for Major Rally at Ramlila Maidan

The symbolic impeachment proceedings took place a day before the INDIA bloc's major rally scheduled at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on Sunday. Opposition leaders and supporters from several states have started reaching the national capital to participate in the rally. Through the event, the INDIA bloc plans to highlight its allegations of electoral irregularities, raise concerns about the functioning of the Election Commission and demand Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. The rally is expected to bring together several opposition parties under a common campaign against the alleged manipulation of electoral processes and the conduct of the SIR exercise.