Kharge Demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Removal, Accuses Govt of ‘Vote-Bandi’

New Delhi, Sep 29: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday accused the Narendra Modi government and the Election Commission of India of undermining voters’ rights and demanded the immediate removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Addressing the Congress Working Committee (CWC) in New Delhi, Kharge alleged that eligible voters, particularly the poor and young, were being deprived of their voting rights through changes to electoral rolls. He described the alleged process as “vote-bandi” and said the Congress would intensify its campaign to protect democracy, the Constitution and electoral rights.

Kharge’s remarks came amid the ongoing political controversy over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and allegations of differences within the poll panel.

“Once again, a historic responsibility has fallen on the shoulders of the Congress to save India’s democracy and Constitution,” Kharge said, drawing a parallel with the party’s role during the freedom struggle.

He alleged that the Election Commission had lost its independence and accused the Chief Election Commissioner of acting in favour of the ruling establishment. Kharge also cited Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations concerning electoral rolls in Karnataka, Haryana and Maharashtra, including claims of duplicate voters, doubtful addresses and multiple voters registered at single addresses.

Kharge demanded greater transparency in electoral-roll revisions and called for independent, time-bound investigations wherever evidence of serious irregularities emerges. He also sought complete data on major changes to electoral rolls and an opportunity for voters whose names have been deleted to appeal.

The Congress president questioned the circumstances surrounding the SIR exercise and raised concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission, including reported differences among its members.

Kharge also criticised the government over the enrolment of young voters, referring to the reduction of the voting age from 21 to 18 during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure. He alleged that young people were being denied their electoral rights and said the Congress would continue to raise the issue.

Comparing the alleged electoral exclusions with the 2016 demonetisation exercise, Kharge described the campaign as “vote-bandi”. He said the poor and disadvantaged sections depended heavily on their voting rights to influence government decisions.

Kharge further demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on moral grounds and called for the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the CEC had acted arbitrarily and in a manner that benefited the ruling party.

The Congress president said the party’s campaign was not merely aimed at electoral gains but at strengthening democratic institutions. He called for transparent electoral rolls, impartial elections and an Election Commission capable of commanding the confidence of both the ruling party and the Opposition.

“The most powerful person in a democracy is the ordinary voter, not the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister or any leader sitting in power,” Kharge said.

He said the Congress would continue its campaign through democratic platforms, from the streets to Parliament, and work to ensure that no eligible citizen was deprived of the right to vote.