INDIA Bloc to Hold Public Impeachment of CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Friday, BJP Steps Up Counter-Campaign

The INDIA bloc will hold a public impeachment-style programme against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar in New Delhi on Friday, October 30, as the Opposition intensifies its campaign over alleged electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. The event will take place at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence after the alliance encountered permission hurdles at other proposed venues. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has stepped up its counter-campaign to challenge the Opposition’s allegations.

INDIA Bloc's Public Impeachment Programme on October 30

The programme is scheduled to begin at 3:30 pm at 10 Rajaji Marg, Kharge’s official residence in New Delhi. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh announced the revised venue and timing in a post on X, alleging that the Chief Election Commissioner had undermined constitutional principles and electoral democracy. Priyanka Gandhi Inspects Preparations for INDIA Bloc Rally in Ramlila Maidan on November 1.

The proceedings are expected to follow a parliamentary-style format, with Opposition leaders, civil society representatives and people affected by the SIR exercise likely to participate. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar is expected to chair the session, while Kharge is expected to move the motion and Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is likely to deliver the concluding address. Around 40 speakers are expected to participate.

The event is a political protest and symbolic exercise, not a formal constitutional impeachment proceeding. The Opposition has been seeking Kumar’s removal over its allegations concerning the Election Commission’s handling of electoral rolls.

Why Is the Opposition Targeting CEC Gyanesh Kumar?

The INDIA bloc has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of failing to adequately address alleged electoral irregularities and concerns over voter deletions during the SIR process. Opposition parties have demanded Kumar’s resignation or removal, arguing that the credibility of elections and citizens’ voting rights must be protected. Jairam Ramesh Announces INDIA Bloc's 'public Impeachment' Programme Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar on October 30.

Jairam Ramesh has accused the CEC of violating the Constitution and undermining electoral democracy. These are allegations made by Opposition leaders; they should not be treated as established findings of wrongdoing. The INDIA bloc’s campaign also centres on its broader “Vote Chori” allegations, with opposition parties raising questions about voter lists, electronic voting machines (EVMs) and electoral transparency.

BJP Intensifies 'Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy' Campaign

The BJP has intensified its efforts to counter the INDIA bloc’s allegations through its ‘Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy’ campaign, also referred to as ‘Prajatantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao’.

BJP president Nitin Nabin has chaired meetings at the party headquarters in New Delhi to review the campaign and discuss strategies to communicate the party’s position on the SIR exercise. Union ministers Piyush Goyal, Kiren Rijiju, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Bhupender Yadav and Ashwini Vaishnaw were among those who attended the discussions.

The BJP has sought to counter the Opposition’s narrative by taking its message to the public through political outreach and organisational activities. The competing campaigns reflect an intensifying political confrontation over the Election Commission and the revision of electoral rolls.

INDIA Bloc Rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1

The public impeachment-style programme is part of the INDIA bloc’s wider campaign against alleged “Vote Chori”. The alliance is also preparing for a rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, November 1. The rally is expected to bring together opposition leaders and supporters to raise concerns over voter-list revisions, electoral transparency and the independence of democratic institutions. The Congress and its allies have urged people from different sections of society to participate.

Delhi Police has granted a no-objection certificate for the rally, subject to conditions, including compliance with the land-owning authority’s requirements and the stipulated closing time of 5 pm. The two events are expected to intensify the political debate over the Election Commission, electoral roll revisions and allegations of voter manipulation, with the BJP and the INDIA bloc presenting sharply contrasting positions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 29, 2026 11:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).