New Delhi: The INDIA bloc’s “public impeachment” of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar began on Saturday (October 31, 2026) at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence on Rajaji Marg, with former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar chairing the proceedings.
Rahul Gandhi’s Allegation
Speaking at the programme, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi alleged that the deletion of 13.3 crore voter names had undermined the legitimacy of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. He claimed the number of deleted voters far exceeded the 3% vote margin between the Opposition and the BJP-led alliance.
In a post on X, Mr. Gandhi alleged that the deletion of one in every seven voters from electoral rolls amounted to an admission that the 2024 election was illegitimate. He accused Gyanesh Kumar and others of treason and warned of action against them.
He also claimed the Opposition had enough evidence against the CEC to ensure his removal, warning the BJP against retaining him in office.
The Six Charges
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge outlined six allegations against the CEC in the bloc’s impeachment resolution, displayed at the event. These allege that Gyanesh Kumar:
- Conspired to steal elections
- Deleted 13.2 crore voters
- Rewrote Form 6 without Parliament’s approval
- Seized the electoral rolls through ECINET
- Shut out the other two Election Commissioners
- Acted at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah
Mr. Kharge accused the CEC of acting against the Constitution and demanded his immediate removal and trial for treason. “We have no personal enmity with CEC, we want EC to work impartially,” he said, adding that the bloc was “not fighting to protect infiltrators” but for genuine voters.
He said Article 326 of the Constitution, which guarantees universal adult franchise, was under serious threat.
Other Opposition Voices
Mahua Moitra (TMC MP) accused the Modi government and the Election Commission of undermining voting rights, claiming that 71% of deleted voters in West Bengal were Muslims and 51% were women.
Tejashwi Yadav (RJD) accused the CEC of orchestrating alleged vote theft at the behest of the Prime Minister and Home Minister, vowing to unite against “an attempt to undermine democracy”.
Kapil Sibal alleged the Opposition had been denied a hearing in Parliament and other institutions for 12 years, and said Sunday’s rally at Ramlila Maidan would reflect public resentment.
Neha Bora, AISA president, accused the CEC of misusing his office to benefit a political party and said that if those in power had listened to public interest, the impeachment would have been done in Parliament.
D. Raja (CPI) said “tomorrow’s rally will send a message to PM Modi that the country cannot be ruled in this way”.
Shashi Tharoor said the discussions had been dignified and positive, and expressed confidence the same spirit would continue at Sunday’s rally.
BJP’s Response
BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad criticised Mr. Gandhi for holding a symbolic “mock Parliament” programme, accusing the Congress of ridiculing constitutional institutions. He alleged that Jawaharlal Nehru became Prime Minister through vote theft and challenged Mr. Gandhi to resign.
BJP MP Sambit Patra defended the voter registration process, asserting that only Indian citizens should vote and urging those whose names are missing from electoral rolls to submit Form 6. He said a declaration form had been added, but Form 6 itself remained unchanged.
The BJP also rejected as a “lie” Mr. Gandhi’s claim that the Home Minister is trying to stop people from coming to Delhi for the November 1 rally, and demanded he show proof.
The ‘Public Impeachment’ Explained
The symbolic exercise, modelled on parliamentary proceedings, is being organised by Opposition parties to highlight allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged “vote chori”. It does not constitute a formal impeachment or removal process under the law.
The November 1 Rally
The “Chalo Dilli” march will begin at noon on Sunday from the Minto Road–Connaught Place junction and culminate at Ramlila Maidan, where the bloc will hold its rally.
Delhi Traffic Police have said restrictions will be in place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with diversions at key central Delhi intersections including Netaji Subhash Marg T-point, Rajghat, Delhi Gate, ITO A-point, Ajmeri Gate, Ranjeet Singh Flyover, Jhandewalan roundabout, Turkman Gate and Mirdard Chowk.
Mamata Banerjee arrived in Delhi on Saturday to attend the rally. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Akhilesh Yadav and other leaders are also expected.
The VHP questioned the timing of the rally amid Diwali festivities, saying ignoring festivals, social harmony and the economy for politics “is not a good sign”.
