Opposition submits removal notice against CEC Gyanesh Kumar in Rajya Sabha

Sources told India Today that the Opposition decided to submit the notice against the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging that he has not changed his conduct and continues to act in a partisan manner.

In Short

• Opposition submits notice in Rajya Sabha
• 73 members sign petition backed by Opposition
• Opposition alleges CEC of bias and misconduct

Opposition parties on Friday submitted a removal notice against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in the Rajya Sabha. The notice has been signed by 73 MPs, including 27 from the Congress.

Sources told India Today that the Opposition decided to submit the notice against the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging that he has not changed his conduct and continues to act in a partisan manner. The united Opposition also aims to garner the support of over 200 MPs, said sources.

The notice has been submitted under Article 324(5) and Article 124(4) of the Constitution of India along with Section 11(2) of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968,

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh took to 'X' to confirm the development, stating that the Opposition has submitted the notice on grounds of "proven misbehaviour constituted by acts and omissions committed on and after 15 March 2026" – the day elections for four states and one Union Territories were announced.

"There are now nine specific charges against the CEC that have been documented in great detail and that simply cannot be denied or whitewashed away," he said.

While Ramesh did not elaborate about the charges, sources said that the motion accuses the Chief Election Commissioner of "discriminatory and biased conduct" during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls across Bihar and other states.

The Congress MP added that his continuation in office amounts to an assault on the Constitution, calling it an absolute disgrace that he remains in the post and allegedly acts at the behest of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister.

The latest notice comes weeks after the previous notice failed to pass in both Houses of Parliament. On March 12, the first motion — signed by 193 MPs— was introduced in both Houses of Parliament. That motion levelled allegations against Kumar regarding improper conduct and bias, deeming his actions contrary to the dignity and duties of his office. However, the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha rejected the motion.

The latest pushback against the Chief Election Commissioner, which comes days after the Opposition was able to stop the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill from gaining two-thirds support in the Lok Sabha, could escalate into a major political battle in the coming days.

- Ends