Congress CWC Demands Probe into Election Commission, Calls for CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation

The Congress Working Committee resolved on Tuesday to demand an inquiry into the Election Commission and to push for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Sources said the resolution will be part of the CWC statement released after the meeting. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge told reporters the issue threatens the country's democracy and must be taken seriously. He quoted an unnamed “own people” of the EC exposing the panel and said a former Kerala chief secretary reported the CEC asking him to contest the election, implying partisan bias. Kharge demanded Kumar step down even after his resignation.

What Happened

The CWC meeting comes after The Indian Express reported that Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi objected at least 14 times in ten months to SIR‑related decisions taken without their knowledge. A four‑page note from the full Commission listed nine decisions addressing some concerns but left key questions unanswered.

Reaction

The INDIA bloc will meet on Wednesday to draft a joint opposition plan on the EC issue. Top opposition leaders will attend. Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal posted on X that protests have taken place in more than 1,000 districts demanding Kumar’s resignation. The opposition also plans to move a motion in both houses of Parliament to remove the CEC, building on earlier attempts in March and April that were rejected or pending.

What's Next

The pending Rajya Sabha notice seeking Kumar’s removal remains before the Chairman. The outcome of the INDIA bloc meeting and any formal CWC resolution will shape the next steps.

Context

The controversy follows internal dissent within the Election Commission and a series of protests, highlighting concerns over electoral fairness and the independence of the poll panel.