The Keralam Legislative Assembly on Monday passed a resolution seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and demanding measures to restore public confidence in the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The resolution also called for greater transparency in the functioning of the poll body and urged the Centre and the Election Commission to address alleged deficiencies in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
It stressed the need to restore voting rights to all eligible voters affected by problems associated with the revision process.
The resolution was moved by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and received support from both the ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Opposition CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF).
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) opposed the contents of the resolution and proposed amendments. However, the amendments were rejected by the Assembly, and the resolution was passed.
The development reflects a rare convergence between the ruling alliance and the principal Opposition in the State on concerns surrounding the Election Commission’s functioning and electoral roll revision.
The SIR process has become a major point of political debate, with questions raised over voter registration, the accuracy of electoral rolls and the protection of eligible citizens’ voting rights.
Through the resolution, the Assembly urged the Centre and the Election Commission to take corrective steps and improve transparency in electoral administration.
The resolution marks the State Assembly’s formal position on the issue. Any action concerning the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner would, however, have to follow the applicable constitutional and legal procedures.
The issue is likely to remain part of the wider national debate over electoral reforms and the credibility of the Election Commission.
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