Amid ongoing allegations of “vote theft,” opposition parties are likely to move an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, sources said.
Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain said the party is prepared to use all democratic means, including an impeachment motion if required, though no formal discussions have been held so far.
“If there is a need, we will use all democratic tools available under the rules. We have not yet held any discussions on impeachment, but if required, we can do anything,” Hussain told Media.
A day earlier, CEC Gyanesh Kumar rejected allegations of “vote theft” made by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, calling them an “insult” to the Constitution. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Kumar asked Rahul Gandhi to either submit a signed affidavit to support his claims or apologise to the nation.
“An affidavit will have to be given or an apology made to the country. There is no third option. If the affidavit is not received within seven days, it means the allegations are baseless,” Kumar said.
Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, responded by accusing the Election Commission of double standards. “The Election Commission asks for an affidavit from me. But when BJP MP Anurag Thakur makes the same allegations, no affidavit is sought,” he said.
Meanwhile, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged Congress and other opposition parties not to create disruptions in Parliament over matters related to the Election Commission. (Agencies)
