Prashant Kishor Demands EC Resignations Over Bias Allegations
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor alleges Election Commission bias and calls for the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar and Rajiv Kumar.
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission, suggesting that the institution's credibility is under intense scrutiny. Speaking to reporters in Samastipur on Thursday, Kishor claimed that the concerns surrounding the poll body extend far beyond the recent Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.
Allegations of Aiding the Ruling Party
Kishor argued that the current electoral landscape has fostered a deep-seated suspicion among a large segment of the population. He suggested that the operational methods of the Election Commission often create the impression that the body is working in favor of the party in power.
According to Kishor, several systemic issues contribute to this perception, including:
- The methodology used in voter list preparation.
- The strategic scheduling of election dates.
- Inconsistent enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.
- The manner in which observers are deployed.
- Irregularities observed during the vote counting process.
Calls for Resignations
The Jan Suraaj founder did not stop at systemic critiques; he also targeted specific individuals within the electoral hierarchy. Kishor demanded the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar, but he also extended his criticism to former Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.
"Gyanesh Kumar ought to step down, but so should Rajiv Kumar—the former Chief Election Commissioner—because, immediately upon retiring, Rajiv Kumar was appointed Chairman of HDFC," Kishor stated, highlighting what he perceives as a conflict of interest regarding post-retirement roles.
INDIA Bloc Intensifies Protests
Kishor's comments come amid a period of heightened political tension. The INDIA bloc has been engaged in three consecutive days of demonstrations in the national capital. In a move inspired by the spirit of 'satyagraha', leaders gathered at Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi while vowing to continue their fight for the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar over electoral roll revisions.
The protest saw the presence of heavyweights from the opposition, including:
- Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
- Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President.
- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress MP.
BJP Dismisses Allegations
The ruling BJP has hit back at the opposition's claims. Nitin Nabin, the party's national president, dismissed the allegations as baseless. In a sharp rebuttal, Nabin challenged Rahul Gandhi, suggesting he should resign "if he had the courage" and characterized the Congress leader's stance as having an "anarchic mindset."
As the political standoff continues, the INDIA bloc is expected to brief the media on its upcoming strategy, while Delhi prepares for further demonstrations scheduled for October 10.