Sack CEC, file criminal case to protect autonomy: Siddaramaiah
Former CM Siddaramaiah demands the dismissal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and a criminal investigation to protect the Election Commission's autonomy.
In a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), former Karnataka Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah has demanded the immediate removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Speaking at a protest organized by the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) at Freedom Park, Siddaramaiah insisted that a criminal case must be registered against the CEC to ensure the constitutional body remains independent from government influence.
Loyalty to the Constitution, Not the Government
Addressing the gathering, Siddaramaiah emphasized that the Election Commission must serve as a neutral guardian of democracy rather than an instrument of the ruling party. He asserted that the institution's sole allegiance should be to the Constitution drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
"The Election Commission is not an institution that should be loyal to any government or political party. It should be loyal only to the Constitution... The Election Commission should not be an institution that dances to the tune of the Central Government," Siddaramaiah stated.
The senior leader alleged that the CEC is currently functioning in an autocratic manner, pointing toward internal objections raised by two other Election Commissioners as evidence of a breakdown in institutional conduct.
Allegations of Vote Theft and Autocratic Conduct
Siddaramaiah linked the current situation to broader concerns raised by the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, regarding electoral integrity. He noted that Gandhi has consistently highlighted issues such as the manipulation of electoral rolls and widespread vote theft since the BJP assumed power.
The former Chief Minister specifically recalled an incident from 2025, alleging that when Rahul Gandhi raised these concerns in writing to the ECI, CEC Gyanesh Kumar responded by demanding an apology from Gandhi to the entire nation. According to Siddaramaiah, the internal dissent within the Commission proves that the CEC has lost the moral authority and fitness to hold his position.
Calls for Dismissal and Investigation
The Congress leader did not stop at calls for resignation. He characterized the current state of the ECI as a betrayal of the Constitution and a criminal offense. He demanded:
- The immediate dismissal of Gyanesh Kumar from his service.
- The registration of a formal criminal case against the CEC.
- A comprehensive and independent inquiry into his conduct.
Criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Turning his attention to the Prime Minister, Siddaramaiah took aim at the age-related retirement norms in Indian politics. He noted that while the 75-year rule is often applied to others, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly been granted an exemption.
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the current administration reached power through indirect means and "vote theft" rather than an impartial process. He concluded his speech by reaffirming his support for the nationwide campaign led by Rahul Gandhi, stating that continuous public protests are essential to defend democratic institutions against such perceived overreach.