Kerala Assembly Passes Resolution Seeking Removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Kerala Assembly passes resolution seeking removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral roll irregularities and calls for selection panel reforms.
In a significant move, the Kerala Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The resolution, moved by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, highlights serious concerns regarding the functioning of the Election Commission and seeks structural changes to the panel responsible for appointing Election Commissioners.
Allegations of Electoral Roll Irregularities
The resolution raises alarms over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. According to the motion, eligible voters are being removed from the lists without clear criteria or prior notice. The Assembly expressed deep concern that these technical manipulations and procedural irregularities put the voting rights of vulnerable groups at risk, including:
- Marginalised communities
- Minority groups
- Migrant workers
- Young voters
The motion further cited media reports suggesting that the Election Commission has curtailed the powers of Electoral Registration Officers. It is alleged that these officers are being bypassed by software systems to prepare voter lists, and that Form 6 was amended in a manner that contradicts existing rules. The resolution noted that reports indicate a majority of the Commission's members had expressed disagreement with these specific actions.
Demands for Constitutional Reform
Beyond the removal of the CEC, the Kerala Assembly is calling for a total reconstitution of the selection committee for the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. The resolution argued that the current selection mechanism undermines the impartiality of the appointment process.
The proposed new panel would include:
- The Prime Minister
- The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha
- The Chief Justice of India
The resolution emphasized that the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the current selection committee has compromised the independence of the appointment process. The Assembly stressed that as a constitutional body, the Election Commission must remain impartial and free from government influence to maintain public confidence in the democratic process.
Political Opposition and Amendments
While the resolution was passed, it was not without contention. Three BJP members opposed the motion. During the proceedings, BJP MLA V. Muraleedharan moved amendments to the resolution. He sought to clarify that certain media reports regarding the violation of the 1960 Voter Registration Rules had been refuted by the Election Commission itself.
Additionally, the BJP sought to include a condemnation of attempts by "vested interests" to discredit the Election Commission, a constitutional body.
The resolution concludes by urging the Central Government and the Election Commission to take immediate steps to address these doubts regarding impartiality. The Assembly maintained that such measures are vital to protect democracy and uphold the fundamental voting rights guaranteed to citizens under Article 326 of the Constitution.