'Gyanesh Kumar has committed anti-national activities': BK Hariprasad
Karnataka Congress chief BK Hariprasad backs Rahul Gandhi, alleging CEC Gyanesh Kumar is undermining the Election Commission through unilateral decisions.
In a massive escalation of political tension, Karnataka Congress president BK Hariprasad has launched a scathing attack against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Backing recent allegations made by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Hariprasad accused the poll watchdog chief of engaging in activities that undermine the constitutional integrity of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Allegations of Internal Dissent and Unilateralism
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Hariprasad claimed that the Election Commission is currently facing significant internal turmoil. He alleged that the CEC has been making unilateral decisions that bypass the collective authority of the commission.
Key allegations raised by the Congress leader include:
- Repeated Dissent: Hariprasad claimed that two Election Commissioners, Sandhu and Joshi, have recorded dissenting notes approximately 14 times regarding the internal affairs and decisions of the Commission.
- Procedural Lapses: The Congress leader pointed to the amendment of 'Form 6' as a primary example of governance failure, alleging that the decision was made without consulting the entire Commission.
- Constitutional Undermining: Hariprasad asserted that these actions demonstrate that Gyanesh Kumar is working against the very constitutional body he is meant to lead.
Echoing Rahul Gandhi’s 'Match-Fixing' Claims
Hariprasad’s comments serve as a reinforcement of the sharp critique leveled by Rahul Gandhi just a day prior. Gandhi has accused the CEC of "match-fixing elections," suggesting a deep-seated bias within the electoral process.
The controversy stems from reports involving former Kerala Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson. According to the claims, Thomson alleged that in 2016, while Kumar was serving as an IAS officer, he suggested that Thomson contest the Lok Sabha elections on a BJP ticket to become an MP and a minister. Gandhi used this anecdote to argue that the current leadership of the ECI is being used to serve specific political interests.
The Election Commission's Defense
The Election Commission of India has moved to dismiss these allegations of internal division. The poll body has maintained that all decisions regarding electoral exercises are taken with the unanimous approval of the Commission.
Addressing the specific claims regarding administrative correspondence, the ECI clarified that certain letters sent to the Cabinet Secretary were related to the functioning of an officer on deputation and did not pertain to any policy matters or the IT division of the Commission.