Siddaramaiah Demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Dismissal, Says Modi Has ‘No Moral Right’ to Continue as PM

Bengaluru, Sept 26: Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he came to power through “vote theft” and asserting that he has “no moral right” to continue as Prime Minister.

Addressing a KPCC protest in Bengaluru demanding the dismissal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Siddaramaiah alleged that the electoral process had been compromised and urged the President to take action to protect the democratic system.

“Modi, who came to power through vote theft, has no moral right to continue as Prime Minister even for a minute,” Siddaramaiah said.

He also questioned the alleged exemption given to Modi from the BJP’s 75-year retirement convention, asking why the rule was applied to some leaders but an exception was made for the Prime Minister.

Siddaramaiah’s remarks came amid the Congress-led campaign against the Election Commission over allegations concerning electoral-roll revision and the functioning of the poll panel. The Election Commission has maintained that differing views are part of institutional deliberations and that its final decisions, including those relating to electoral-roll revision, were taken by the full Commission.

Targeting CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Siddaramaiah demanded his immediate dismissal and registration of a criminal case. He said the Election Commission must remain accountable to the Constitution and not to the Central Government.

He also referred to reported objections raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi over several issues concerning the functioning of the poll panel.

Backing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations regarding manipulation of electoral rolls, Siddaramaiah said the party would continue its campaign against what it described as threats to the democratic process.

The Congress protest in Bengaluru was part of the party’s wider campaign demanding action against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.