Congress Alleges Brutal Crackdown as Protests Against CEC Intensify

Ramesh accused the Prime Minister and Home Minister of desperation, claiming the administration is terrified of public outrage regarding the Election Commission’s recent conduct. Protesters are demanding accountability for alleged constitutional subversions, specifically citing concerns over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. These tensions follow reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi repeatedly raised internal objections regarding database access and administrative procedures over the past ten months.

The Election Commission dismissed these internal notes as routine administrative feedback rather than evidence of institutional dissent, asserting that all final decisions were reached unanimously. Despite these assurances, the opposition remains unconvinced. In Guwahati, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee led a march from Rajiv Bhawan, formally calling for the removal of Gyanesh Kumar and a comprehensive audit of all electoral roll modifications made during his tenure.

Legal hurdles complicate these demands for immediate change. Under the 2023 Act governing the appointment and service conditions of Election Commissioners, removing the Chief Election Commissioner requires a rigorous parliamentary process. This necessitates a majority of the total House membership alongside a two-thirds vote of those present, followed by final approval from the President.