'He Has To Go': Thomas Isaac Demands CEC's Exit
CPI(M) leader Thomas Isaac calls for CEC Gyanesh Kumar's removal, alleging vote theft for BJP amid massive INDIA bloc protests in Delhi.
In a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India, CPI(M) Central Committee member and former Kerala Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac has demanded the immediate removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Speaking on Tuesday, Isaac leveled serious allegations against the CEC, accusing him of "stealing votes for the BJP" amidst a growing wave of opposition protests regarding electoral roll revisions.
The veteran leader’s remarks come at a time of heightened political tension, as members of the INDIA bloc continue to escalate their demonstrations against the electoral process in the national capital.
Allegations of Electoral Malpractice
The demand for the CEC's resignation is not an isolated outcry but part of a larger confrontation between the opposition and the country's top poll watchdog. Isaac was uncompromising in his stance, stating that there is no room for compromise regarding the leadership of the Election Commission.
"There is no way that CEC Gyanesh Kumar can continue. He has got to go. He has been stealing votes for the BJP. Therefore, there is no going back on this demand," Isaac declared.
The CPI(M) leader emphasized that the unrest is spreading beyond traditional political circles. He noted that the movement against the Election Commission is gaining momentum among various social groups, including students and the youth.
"Today, the Members of Parliament marched. Youth and students are on the march. The opposition parties are on the streets," Isaac added, while also issuing a warning that the situation could spiral out of control if the authorities in Delhi do not act with "sanity."
Massive Protests in Delhi
The political atmosphere in Delhi has turned volatile as INDIA bloc MPs marched toward the Nirvachan Sadan. The protests are centered around the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and concerns regarding the accuracy of electoral rolls. The demonstrations are part of a broader "Save Democracy" campaign launched by the opposition coalition.
The situation escalated when several leaders from the INDIA bloc were reportedly prevented from reaching the Election Commission headquarters. This led to Congress leaders staging a sit-in protest at Akashvani Bhawan to voice their indignation.
The Core of the Controversy
The current firestorm is fueled by several key points of contention that have shaken the opposition's trust in the electoral machinery:
- The SIR Discrepancies: Reports have surfaced suggesting that two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, raised 14 specific objections during the Special Intensive Revision exercise. While the ECI maintains that all decisions were unanimous, the opposition views these objections as evidence of internal friction and procedural flaws.
- The Form 6 Dispute: There are significant questions regarding the modification of Form 6, which is used for the enrolment of new voters. The opposition has pointed to recent observations from the Supreme Court, which stated it had not approved any modified version of the form being used during the current SIR exercise.
As the "Save Democracy" campaign continues, the standoff between the opposition and the Election Commission remains one of the most significant political confrontations in recent times, with the integrity of the electoral rolls at the very heart of the debate.