Opposition set to move impeachment motion against CEC amid ‘vote fraud’ row

The opposition INDIA bloc is planning to move an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, intensifying its clash with the poll body after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged large-scale voter fraud, as per reports.

Responding to Rahul’s allegation of ‘vote chori’, the CEC at a press conference rejected the charges, stressing that the Election Commission operates strictly under the Representation of the People Act and provides clear legal remedies for disputes. Without naming Gandhi, he said unfounded allegations months after election results only erode public trust.

Under Article 324(5) of the Constitution, the Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only through a parliamentary impeachment motion, a process similar to that required for the removal of a Supreme Court judge.

Reacting to the accusations of ‘vote chori’, CEC Gyanesh Kumar reportedly dismissed them as ‘baseless’ and “an insult to the Constitution”. At a press briefing in Delhi, he insisted Gandhi must either submit a sworn affidavit backing his charges or apologise publicly. “There is no third option. If the affidavit is not submitted within seven days, it will mean the allegations have no basis,” Kumar was quoted as saying.