Karnataka CM Shivakumar Joins Calls for CEC Resignation

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has publicly backed calls for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to step down, alleging that the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is being manipulated for political gain. His demand amplifies growing pressure from opposition ranks following reports of internal friction within the Election Commission.

Editorial·September 25, 2026·reads: 198

The criticism stems from an Indian Express report detailing at least 14 instances where Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi challenged decisions regarding database access and electoral roll procedures over the past ten months. Shivakumar, addressing reporters, framed the controversy as a matter of democratic integrity rather than mere administrative procedure. He emphasized that while electoral revisions are necessary, the current execution is compromised by political influence.

Congress state units mobilized across the country on Friday to demand accountability, with demonstrations reported in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and West Bengal, among others. While the opposition explores the possibility of an impeachment motion, the Election Commission maintains that the internal objections were standard administrative discourse. The ECI rejected claims of institutional dissent, asserting that all final decisions regarding the revision process were reached unanimously by the commission members.