Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of “vanishing” people’s voting rights.
Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Banerjee referred to Kumar as “Vanish Kumar”, alleging that he had made citizens’ rights disappear. “He made people’s rights vanish. How can I forgive him? Who am I? It is the people of India who will not forgive him,” she said.
Her remarks come amid growing opposition criticism of the 2023 law granting immunity to the Election Commission, which prevents commissioners from being held legally accountable for decisions taken during their tenure. Banerjee argued that while constitutional safeguards are necessary to protect democratic institutions, immunity should not shield officials from responsibility if voters’ rights are compromised.
The fiery statement underscores the escalating tension between opposition parties and the Election Commission, with Banerjee positioning herself as a vocal critic of what she calls the erosion of democratic processes. The issue is expected to dominate political discourse as parties prepare for upcoming elections.
