Himachal Congress Leader Demands Removal of CEC
Himachal Congress leader Harikrishan Himral calls for the removal of the CEC, alleging the 2023 law dilutes accountability and harms democracy.
In a scathing attack on the country's electoral machinery, Shimla District Congress Committee (Rural) president Harikrishan Himral has demanded the immediate removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). Addressing reporters in Shimla on Saturday, the Congress leader alleged that the current legal framework provides excessive protection to election officials, effectively undermining their accountability to the public.
The 2023 Act: A Shield Against Accountability?
Himral directed his sharpest criticism toward the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. He argued that the legislation grants election officials a "free hand" to act without fear of legal repercussions.
Specifically, Himral pointed to Section 16 of the Act, which he claims protects serving or former CECs and Election Commissioners from civil and criminal proceedings for any act, word, or thing done during the discharge of their official duties. He noted that under this provision, no court is permitted to entertain or continue such proceedings, a move he described as a "grave injustice to the country."
Dilution of Supreme Court Mandate
The Congress leader also raised concerns regarding the composition of the selection committee established by the new law. He highlighted a significant shift from the Supreme Court's previous directions in the Anoop Baranwal vs Union of India case.
- Supreme Court Direction: The court had originally suggested a selection committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
- The 2023 Act Reality: The current law replaces the CJI with a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
Himral argued that this change effectively dilutes the independence of the selection process, a sentiment echoed in various petitions currently challenging the law before the Supreme Court.
Allegations of Autocratic Functioning
Taking a direct aim at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Himral accused him of functioning in an "autocratic" manner. He made a startling claim regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), alleging that the constitutional rights of over 13 crore voters were being denied by disregarding the recommendations of two Election Commissioners.
The Congress leader went a step further by demanding not just the removal of the CEC, but also calling for criminal charges of treason to be filed against him. He further extended his criticism to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, holding him responsible for what he termed the "theft of the people's mandate" and demanding his resignation from the Union Cabinet.
"Save Democracy, Save Country" Campaign
Himral emphasized that the Congress party is launching a nationwide "Save Democracy, Save Country" campaign to combat what it views as serious violations by the Election Commission. He stated that the INDIA bloc, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, stands firmly with the citizens against this perceived "dictatorial functioning."
"The Congress will not retreat from its fight against what it describes as the murder of democracy and theft of the people's mandate," Himral concluded.