Opposition parties weigh no-confidence motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Gyanesh Kumar

The Opposition is weighing a no-confidence motion against chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar once the Lok Sabha takes up and disposes of a similar motion against Speaker Om Birla.

According to a senior Congress leader cited in a Hindustan Times report, discussions have been held with members of the INDIA bloc and all parties have agreed to bring a no-confidence motion against Kumar over the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of voter rolls in different states.

“It will be done one at a time. We expect the notice against Birla will be taken up on Tuesday,” the Congress leader said.

At least 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha and 50 MPs in the Rajya Sabha must sign the notice for it to be considered.

A motion for removal may be introduced in either House of Parliament and must be passed by a special majority -- a majority of the total membership of the House and a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.

According to the law on the appointment of CEC and election commissioners, "CEC shall not be removed from his office except in the like manner and on the like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court", and the other election commissioners shall not be removed from office "except on the recommendation of the CEC".

West Bengal chief minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, at a recent press conference in Delhi, had supported the idea of bringing an impeachment motion against the CEC -- if it is done by the opposition. Banerjee is currently holding an indefinite dharna against the names being deleted in the ongoing SIR in the state.

The draft of the notice is ready and likely to be submitted this week, according to sources cited by PTI.

The chief election commissioner (CEC) has totally degraded the great seat he occupies, a senior TMC parliamentarian told the news agency.