"There should be a re-verification": CM DK Shivakumar demands arrest, dismissal of CEC amid SIR row
Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar calls for the arrest and dismissal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar amid protests over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
In a massive escalation of political tension, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has called for the immediate arrest and dismissal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The demand comes in the wake of a deepening controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which has sparked widespread outrage across the political landscape.
Speaking on Saturday, the Chief Minister was unequivocal in his stance, insisting that the integrity of the electoral process is at stake. “The Chief Election Officer should be arrested and dismissed immediately. There should be a re-verification,” Shivakumar declared, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Massive Protests at Freedom Park
The Chief Minister's fiery remarks coincided with a large-scale demonstration organized by the Karnataka Congress at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. Protesters gathered to voice their discontent with the Election Commission's handling of the SIR exercise, turning the park into a hub of political dissent.
Leading the charge, Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao questioned the very credibility of the Election Commission under its current leadership. Rao argued that the appointment of the current CEC has undermined public faith in the institution.
“How can we allow an Election Commission to become like this, to be headed by such a person whom nobody's got any faith in today? So, that is why this is to save our country's institutions and save our country's democratic rights,” Rao stated.
Rao further insisted that Gyanesh Kumar must either step down voluntarily or be removed from his position to protect democratic rights. He also directed criticism toward the judiciary, suggesting that the Supreme Court needs to introspect on how it handles matters involving the Election Commission.
Allegations of Democratic Violations
Former Karnataka Minister HK Patil joined the fray, noting that the protests have seen a significant turnout from the public. Patil alleged that democratic norms are being systematically violated and issued a blunt ultimatum to the CEC.
“We want CEC to quit immediately. If he has any respect for the rule of law, if he has any respect for democracy, he must quit immediately,” Patil remarked.
The Root of the Controversy: The SIR Row
The current unrest is fueled by an investigative report by The Indian Express, which brought to light internal friction within the Election Commission. The report suggested that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections at least 14 times over a 10-month period. These objections reportedly concerned critical decisions and procedures related to the management of electoral rolls and access to databases.
The discontent is not confined to Karnataka. Congress workers have launched demonstrations in multiple states, including:
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Assam
- Uttarakhand
- West Bengal
- Uttar Pradesh
- Himachal Pradesh
- Manipur
Nandini Milk Price Hike on the Radar
Shifting focus to local governance, Chief Minister Shivakumar also addressed the brewing tension regarding a proposed Rs 10 price hike for Nandini milk. Acknowledging the anger among farmers, he indicated that the matter is a priority for the state government.
“They are asking to increase the milk price by Rs 10. Prices have increased in other states. I am getting information about the prices there. Farmers here are very angry about the price. I will discuss this in the Cabinet,” Shivakumar said.