Gyanesh Kumar Latest News: CEC Faces Opposition’s Impeachment Move and Bihar Voter List Row

In the fast-changing world of Indian politics, the spotlight is currently on Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, who finds himself at the center of a storm involving the opposition bloc, voter list revisions, and fiery allegations from political leaders. His role as the guardian of India’s democratic process has come under intense scrutiny, raising important questions about transparency, accountability, and the future of elections in the country.

Who is Gyanesh Kumar?

Gyanesh Kumar is a seasoned member of the Kerala cadre of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), which he joined in 1988. Known for his administrative acumen, he has previously served in the Ministry of Home Affairs, where he played crucial roles in handling Union Territories and disaster management. His reputation as a disciplined bureaucrat earned him the top post in the Election Commission of India (ECI).

When he took charge as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in March 2025, expectations were high that his tenure would ensure free and fair elections. However, within just a few months, Gyanesh Kumar has been thrust into a political firestorm.

The Bihar Voter List Controversy

The latest controversy centers on Bihar’s electoral rolls. According to official reports, the Election Commission recently uploaded details of 6.5 million (65 lakh) voter deletions from the state’s draft electoral roll within 56 hours of a Supreme Court directive.

The deletions sparked outrage among opposition parties, who alleged that this was a case of “voter theft” aimed at influencing upcoming elections.

Gyanesh Kumar, however, defended the move, clarifying that the deletions were made transparently and that voters have until September 1, 2025, to raise objections.

He insisted that the Commission is only following due legal process and that no eligible voter will be left disenfranchised.

This incident has become a flashpoint in the ongoing battle between the Election Commission and opposition leaders.

Rahul Gandhi vs. Gyanesh Kumar

Adding fuel to the fire, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the Election Commission of facilitating “vote chori” (vote theft). His remarks triggered a strong response from CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

On August 17, 2025, Kumar issued an ultimatum to Rahul Gandhi:

Either submit a sworn affidavit within seven days providing evidence of the allegations,

Or issue a public apology to the nation for misleading voters.

Failure to comply, Kumar warned, would render the allegations baseless.

Congress, however, hit back. Senior leader Jairam Ramesh accused the CEC of “intimidation instead of investigation,” saying that the Election Commission should probe the issue rather than hold press conferences challenging opposition leaders.

The Opposition’s Impeachment Threat

The situation escalated further when the I.N.D.I.A. bloc announced its intention to move an impeachment motion against Gyanesh Kumar in Parliament.

Opposition leaders, led by Mallikarjun Kharge, claim that the Election Commission under Kumar has compromised its neutrality.

While the motion has symbolic significance, experts point out that removing a CEC requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament, something the opposition currently lacks.

This makes the impeachment move more of a political statement than a practical threat.

Nevertheless, the mere discussion of impeachment reflects the deep trust deficit between the Election Commission and opposition parties.

Gyanesh Kumar’s Defense

Despite mounting criticism, Gyanesh Kumar has maintained a firm stance:

He emphasizes that the Election Commission is acting within the law.

He has urged political parties to engage with the voter revision process instead of spreading “unverified claims.”

He insists that his priority is to ensure fair elections in 2025 and beyond.

Supporters of Kumar argue that he is being unfairly targeted and that political pressure should not undermine the independence of constitutional institutions.

Why This Matters for India’s Democracy

The controversies surrounding Gyanesh Kumar are not just about one bureaucrat—they reflect the larger battle over electoral credibility in India.

Free and fair elections are the backbone of democracy.

Allegations of voter list manipulation, even if unproven, erode public trust in the system.

The Election Commission must strike a balance between transparency and authority, ensuring that it remains above political battles.

The way the Election Commission is viewed in Bihar and the rest of the nation will be influenced by Gyanesh Kumar’s actions in the upcoming weeks.

Ankit Yadav

My name is Ankit Yadav, and I am a passionate digital journalist and content creator. I write about technology, entertainment, sports, and current affairs with the aim of delivering unique, accurate, and engaging information to my readers.

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