Opposition parties have submitted a fresh notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The notice, signed by 73 Rajya Sabha members, was submitted on April 24, 2026, as per constitutional requirements.
Constitutional Requirement for Removal
According to the Constitution, a notice seeking the removal of the CEC requires a minimum of 100 signatures in the Lok Sabha and 50 signatures in the Rajya Sabha. The fresh notice meets the Rajya Sabha threshold with 73 signatures.
Background
The opposition has been critical of CEC Gyanesh Kumar's handling of recent elections, alleging bias and lack of transparency. This is not the first attempt to remove him; earlier notices had failed to gather sufficient support.
The notice was submitted by opposition MPs led by the Congress party and other allied groups. They argue that the CEC has failed to uphold the impartiality required for the office.
Political Reactions
BJP leaders have dismissed the move as politically motivated, stating that the opposition is trying to undermine the Election Commission. Government sources indicated that the notice is unlikely to succeed given the ruling party's majority in the Lok Sabha.
The Rajya Sabha Chairman will now examine the notice for its validity and may refer it to a committee for further action. The process for removal of a CEC is complex and requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament.
This development comes amid heightened political tensions ahead of the next general elections. The opposition has vowed to continue its campaign against the CEC, while the government defends his record.
