A sharp political confrontation over Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar escalated on Friday, 25 September 2026, as Opposition parties confirmed preparations to table a fresh impeachment motion in Parliament, while Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders dismissed the effort, insisting it would not survive a floor vote. This would mark the third attempt by the Opposition to initiate removal proceedings against Kumar.

Opposition's Stand: A Constitutional Duty

Congress leader Udit Raj framed the move as one that transcended party lines. 'Parliament is a platform, and the constitutional institutions have constitutional authority. That should be fully utilised to protect the Constitution and democracy,' Raj said. He argued that the matter had moved beyond the Congress or any regional party and had become an issue of concern for the wider public.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) also formally confirmed its support. Spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan cited the party's earlier public position, saying, 'Our leader had issued a statement yesterday that Gyanesh Kumar should be removed from the post and he had categorically stated that we are against Gyanesh Kumar holding that office. So we will definitely support.' The DMK's backing adds significant cross-regional weight to the Opposition's effort.

BJP Rejects the Move as a Political Exercise

Bihar Minister and BJP leader Ram Kripal Yadav was categorical in his dismissal. 'The motion will be defeated. It will fall. Impeachment motions have been brought against several people in the past as well. The Opposition will face defeat,' Yadav said. His remarks echo the BJP's consistent position that such motions are political manoeuvres unlikely to secure the required legislative support.

Jharkhand Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi also took aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on the CEC, arguing that Gandhi's statements were 'not finding acceptance among the public' and calling on the Congress to reconsider its approach.

What the Notices Will Seek

According to sources, formal notices are expected to be submitted in both Houses of Parliament — the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha — in the coming days to initiate removal proceedings. This would be the third such attempt by the Opposition, with previous motions having failed to advance. The process for removing a Chief Election Commissioner requires a special majority in Parliament, making the outcome heavily dependent on legislative arithmetic.

Wider Context and Political Stakes

The controversy around CEC Kumar has been a persistent flashpoint between the ruling BJP and the combined Opposition. Critics argue that the independence of the Election Commission is foundational to India's democratic process, and that concerns over Kumar's continuation in office merit constitutional scrutiny. The BJP, for its part, maintains that the Opposition's repeated motions reflect electoral frustration rather than any genuine institutional concern.

Notably, the convergence of parties including the Congress and DMK signals that the Opposition is attempting to project a united front ahead of what could be a politically charged parliamentary session. Whether the notices formally translate into a floor debate will depend on whether the requisite number of lawmakers sign the motion — a threshold the Opposition has reportedly been working to meet.

The coming days will test the Opposition's ability to consolidate signatures across party lines and force a parliamentary reckoning over the Election Commission's leadership.