In a dramatic political development, opposition parties under the INDIA alliance are preparing to bring an impeachment motion in Parliament against Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday, according to sources familiar with the development.
Sources said the opposition is considering introducing the motion in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. However, a final decision on whether the notice will be submitted in one House or both is expected to be taken later in the evening before the formal filing of the motion.
Leaders from multiple opposition parties confirmed that the drafting of the notice has been a joint effort by members of the alliance. A senior leader from the All India Trinamool Congress who has been involved in preparing the notice said the initiative reflects coordinated action among opposition groups.
The TMC leader told reporters that the planning and drafting of the motion had been carried out collectively by parties that share similar concerns about the functioning of the Election Commission. According to the leader, the opposition is also planning a coordinated strategy in both Houses of Parliament to push the motion forward.
The leader also launched a strong attack on the Chief Election Commissioner, claiming that he had “totally degraded the great seat he occupies.” The remark highlights the rising political tension surrounding the functioning of the Election Commission.
Sources from the Indian National Congress confirmed that the party will support the proposed motion. Other parties within the INDIA bloc have also agreed to back the move, and the draft notice has reportedly been prepared with contributions from several opposition groups.
If the plan goes ahead, opposition MPs will begin collecting signatures from members of Parliament to formally introduce the motion. According to parliamentary rules, the notice must be signed by at least 100 MPs from the Lok Sabha or 50 MPs from the Rajya Sabha before it can be admitted for consideration.
The procedure for removing the Chief Election Commissioner is extremely strict and is similar to the process followed for removing a judge of the Supreme Court of India or a High Court.
Under the law governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, the CEC can only be removed from office on the grounds of proven misbehaviour or incapacity.
Once the motion is admitted, it must be debated and passed by a special majority in Parliament. This means that the resolution must secure a majority of the total membership of the House and also a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.
The law further states that the Chief Election Commissioner enjoys the same protection as a Supreme Court judge when it comes to removal from office. Other Election Commissioners, however, can only be removed on the recommendation of the CEC.
The opposition’s move, if formally introduced, could trigger a major political showdown in Parliament, as it would mark one of the rare attempts to initiate removal proceedings against a Chief Election Commissioner in India.
