Kerala Assembly Passes Resolution Seeking Removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar

Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant political development, the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Monday passed a resolution demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged irregularities in electoral roll revisions and concerns over the independence and impartiality of the Election Commission of India.

The resolution, introduced by Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, also called for the immediate restoration of voting rights to eligible citizens allegedly excluded from electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

The resolution received support from the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), reflecting a rare convergence between the state’s major political alliances on electoral reform.

Concerns Over Voter Exclusion

The resolution raised concerns that eligible voters, particularly members of marginalised communities, minorities, migrant workers and young citizens, could lose their voting rights because of irregularities in the electoral roll revision process.

It called upon the Election Commission to correct procedural deficiencies and ensure that no eligible citizen is deprived of the right to vote.

Demand for Electoral Reforms

The Assembly also proposed restructuring the committee responsible for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.

Under the proposed arrangement, the selection panel would comprise the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India.

The resolution argued that such reforms would strengthen the independence, transparency and credibility of the Election Commission.

Resolution Calls for Removal of CEC

The Assembly urged the Union government to initiate the constitutional process for removing Gyanesh Kumar as Chief Election Commissioner.

The passage of the resolution does not itself remove the CEC from office. Any removal would require the procedure prescribed under the Constitution.

The development comes amid continuing political controversy over electoral roll revisions and demands for greater transparency and accountability in India’s election administration.

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