Kirti Azad Supports Impeachment Motion Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
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New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad has expressed his support for the impeachment motion aimed at Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of exhibiting a partisan approach during various elections.
In a statement to IANS, Azad raised alarms regarding CEC Kumar’s actions, which he claims have sparked serious apprehensions within Opposition parties, asserting that impeachment is warranted.
“Gyanesh Kumar is affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party. His current conduct is apparent to all. Yes, impeachment is essential. We have highlighted this issue long before discussions related to the West Bengal Legislative Assembly election commenced. He has not acted impartially during the elections in Maharashtra, Haryana, or Bihar,” Azad stated.
He further mentioned that support for the impeachment motion is gaining momentum among legislators, noting, “At least 200 signatures have been collected; the process is ongoing.”
Reportedly, signatures have been gathered for a notice that seeks a motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar based on several accusations, including partisan and discriminatory behavior while in office.
The notice, which is expected to be submitted soon to both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, outlines seven specific allegations against CEC Kumar. These include claims of partisan conduct, intentional obstruction of inquiries into electoral fraud, and widespread disenfranchisement of voters.
According to parliamentary procedures, a minimum of 100 MPs must endorse such a notice in the Lok Sabha, while 50 MPs are required in the Rajya Sabha for it to proceed.
In response, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party dismissed these allegations. BJP MP Damodar Agrawal criticized the Opposition for targeting constitutional institutions.
“Criticizing constitutional bodies and disseminating misinformation about them is problematic. The Election Commission operates impartially. The INDIA alliance is merely proposing ideas without taking any concrete steps,” Agrawal stated.
The Aam Aadmi Party has also expressed its support for the impeachment motion, accusing the Election Commission of neglecting complaints raised by the party and permitting alleged electoral irregularities.