New Delhi, September 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has warned that people could take to the streets if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar does not resign or efforts to remove him through Parliament are blocked.
Chavan, speaking to IANS, said the Opposition should consider moving a fresh removal resolution against Kumar, arguing that the Constitution provides for the removal of the CEC through a process similar to that applicable to a Supreme Court judge.
“If nothing material and all efforts (to remove Gyanesh Kumar) are blocked… the Opposition leaders will have to bring the entire public out onto the streets,” Chavan said, while adding that he hoped such a situation would not arise.
He also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi could find a solution to the controversy but alleged that if Kumar’s resignation was opposed, public protests could follow.
The Opposition’s renewed push comes amid a controversy over reported differences within the three-member Election Commission. The Indian Express has reported that the two Election Commissioners raised objections on record on 14 occasions over the past 10 months on issues linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The ECI has maintained that such observations are part of its internal decision-making process and that final decisions have been unanimous.
The Opposition had earlier moved removal notices against Kumar in March. Those notices, backed by 130 Lok Sabha MPs and 63 Rajya Sabha MPs, were rejected by the presiding officers of both Houses in April.
A fresh notice seeking Kumar’s removal was submitted in the Rajya Sabha in April with the signatures of 73 Opposition MPs and listed nine allegations of “proven misbehaviour”.
Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh alleged that the government was protecting Kumar, while RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha said the Opposition had already explored the parliamentary route and that a petition had also been filed in the Supreme Court.
Jha said the issue had moved beyond a confrontation between the ruling party and Opposition and had become a matter concerning citizens, adding that people would decide their next course of action.
The Opposition is now preparing another removal motion, with Congress sources saying legal experts are working on the draft and that notices could be submitted in both Houses.
Under Article 324(5) of the Constitution, the CEC can be removed from office only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court judge. A removal motion requires approval by the prescribed majority in both Houses of Parliament.
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