Overview
On 29 September 2026, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) passed a resolution demanding the immediate removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The resolution also called for the suspension of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, restoration of more than 13 crore voters removed during the exercise, and the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on grounds of “vote theft”.
Key Developments
- The CWC’s resolution urges the removal of the CEC and suspension of SIR.
- The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is planning to release audio recordings of its meetings with the CEC to expose alleged pressure tactics.
- Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge publicly demanded the CEC’s removal and Modi’s resignation.
- Former Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh accused the CEC of legal violations and urged opposition parties to boycott the elections until the Election Commission resigns.
- Protests erupted in several states demanding the CEC’s resignation, highlighting internal dissent within the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Important Facts
The ECI is headed by the CEC and includes two other commissioners: Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The SIR exercise, launched earlier in 2026, aimed to delete duplicate and ineligible entries but has reportedly removed over 13 crore legitimate voters, sparking accusations of political bias. Opposition parties argue that the timing of the SIR, close to the upcoming general elections, could influence electoral outcomes.
Exam Relevance
This episode touches upon several UPSC syllabus areas:
- GS‑2 (Polity): Role and independence of the ECI, powers of the CEC, and mechanisms for accountability.
- GS‑1 (Indian Society): Impact of electoral roll purges on voter enfranchisement and democratic participation.
- GS‑4 (Ethics): Ethical considerations of political pressure on constitutional functionaries and the moral responsibility of leaders.
Way Forward
For a robust democratic process, the following steps are advisable:
- Parliamentary oversight: A parliamentary committee could examine the legality and methodology of the SIR, ensuring transparency.
- Judicial review: Affected voters may approach the Supreme Court to seek restoration of their names on the rolls.
- Strengthening institutional autonomy: Amendments to the Representation of the People Act could safeguard the CEC from undue political pressure.
- Public awareness: Civil society should educate voters about their rights and the process for correcting roll errors.
These measures would help restore confidence in the electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.