Keralam Assembly Passes Resolution Seeking Removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Thiruvananthapuram: The Keralam Legislative Assembly on Monday, October 12, passed a resolution seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar amid controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The resolution was moved by Chief Minister V D Satheesan and raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the voter list revision process, the exclusion of eligible voters and questions about the impartiality of the Election Commission of India. According to media reports, the resolution was described as a first of its kind in the country.

The resolution called for restoring voting rights to all eligible citizens whose names were allegedly removed from electoral rolls. It also urged authorities to address concerns surrounding the revision process and ensure that eligible voters are not deprived of their constitutional rights.

Another key demand was the reconstitution of the committee responsible for selecting the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners. The resolution proposed including the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India in the selection panel.

The move comes amid protests by opposition parties over the SIR exercise and allegations of irregularities in the preparation of electoral rolls. The Election Commission’s functioning and concerns about the possible exclusion of eligible voters have become major points of political debate.

After the resolution was passed, Satheesan said in a post on X that the right to vote was the foundation of democracy and that constitutional rights must be protected. He reiterated the need to safeguard voting rights, uphold the Constitution and ensure free and fair elections.

The resolution reflects the Keralam Assembly’s position and calls for action by the relevant authorities. It does not, by itself, remove the Chief Election Commissioner from office.