Opposition moves to oust CEC

The Opposition parties are planning to move a motion seeking removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Sources said the draft of the notice is ready and likely to be submitted soon. A senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP said it was a “100 per cent team effort” and signatures for the motion will be collected by Tuesday. As per rules, the signatures of at least 100 MPs from Lok Sabha and at least 50 MPs from Rajya Sabha are required for the notice.

Sources from the Congress said they would support the notice. Other INDIA bloc parties are also on board. “The drafting and planning has truly been a team effort by all like-minded parties. The execution in both Houses will also be full teamwork,” said the TMC leader requesting not to be quoted. “The CEC has totally degraded the seat he occupies,” they added.

The process for removing the CEC is similar to that for the removal of a Supreme Court or High Court judge. Only grounds of proven misbehaviour or incapacity can lead to the impeachment.