News Delhi: Ahead of the INDIA bloc’s proposed march to the Supreme Court on Monday, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of facing pressure from senior government leaders over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Speaking to reporters at the AICC headquarters at Indira Bhawan, Gandhi claimed he had received indirect messages through people within the administrative system suggesting that Kumar was being pressured to protect those responsible for the alleged irregularities.
Asked whether he had received any communication from the Chief Election Commissioner, Gandhi said messages had reached him through official channels. He claimed these messages indicated that Kumar was under considerable pressure and was being compelled to act in a particular manner.
Gandhi attributed the alleged pressure to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Urging Kumar to resign and disclose what he knew, Gandhi alleged that the CEC was not the principal figure behind the alleged wrongdoing. He called on him to step aside and reveal the truth, saying the opposition might consider forgiving him if he became an approver.
Gandhi expanded his criticism beyond the electoral roll revision, arguing that the alleged irregularities reflected a wider weakening of constitutional institutions.
He alleged that the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar was linked to the political leadership and described what he called a progression from alleged electoral wrongdoing to violations of the law and the undermining of institutions.
The Congress leader warned that any compromise in the integrity of elections could threaten the country’s constitutional framework and democratic system. He accused those responsible for the alleged manipulation of votes of undermining a fundamental democratic institution.
Gandhi also questioned the extensive security arrangements in the national capital ahead of the planned opposition march. Referring to police deployment, water cannons and restrictions affecting public movement, he criticised the measures and asked why Delhi had been placed under such tight security.
He claimed that thousands of security personnel had been deployed to prevent opposition representatives from proceeding peacefully.
Gandhi further asserted that officials within government departments and security agencies were communicating with opposition leaders and sharing information. He also claimed that many personnel privately supported the opposition’s concerns over the handling of the electoral process. These claims were not independently verified in the account.
Gandhi also alleged that differences had emerged within the Election Commission, claiming that the two other Election Commissioners had questioned Kumar’s continuation in office amid the controversy.
Describing the dispute as a struggle between the public and the ruling leadership, he criticised Modi, Shah and Kumar over the alleged irregularities.
Following the press conference, INDIA bloc parliamentarians assembled at the Constitution Club before proceeding towards the Supreme Court to submit a joint petition concerning the Election Commission’s conduct.
The allegations against the Chief Election Commissioner and other government leaders are claims made by Rahul Gandhi and have not been established as facts in this account.
