'Gyanesh Kumar Chor Hai': Mamata demands CEC's removal over SIR row at India Bloc meeting

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during the INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi, demanding his immediate removal over the ongoing row surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

At a joint press conference following the meeting, Banerjee used the phrase "Gyanesh Kumar chor hai" while accusing the Election Commission of electoral wrongdoing. She also raised concerns over electronic voting machines (EVMs) and electoral software. These were allegations made by Banerjee and opposition leaders, rather than established findings.

The INDIA bloc meeting focused on mounting opposition to the Election Commission's handling of the SIR exercise. Opposition parties have alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls and have questioned the transparency of the process. The Election Commission, however, has rejected suggestions of institutional dysfunction and said its decisions follow established legal procedures.

INDIA bloc announces nationwide protests

Following the meeting, opposition parties announced a series of programmes against the Election Commission and over their concerns regarding SIR.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said district-level "Save Democracy" marches and demonstrations will be held from October 2 to October 8. Opposition MPs are also scheduled to march to the Election Commission's headquarters in New Delhi on October 6. INDIA bloc leaders are expected to seek an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu in the second week of October.

The opposition parties have also announced plans for five major rallies as part of their campaign against the SIR process.

Opposition raises concerns over voter rolls

The latest confrontation follows reports about differences within the Election Commission over aspects of the SIR exercise. Opposition leaders have cited these reports while questioning the functioning of the poll panel and demanding greater transparency.

Banerjee said opposition parties had previously raised concerns over alleged "vote theft" in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar and West Bengal, as well as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. She said the opposition had approached both the Election Commission and the Supreme Court over the issues.

The Election Commission has maintained that decisions concerning SIR were taken unanimously by the three Election Commissioners. It has also said that differences of opinion during deliberations do not indicate institutional dysfunction.

INDIA bloc says it will continue campaign

The opposition alliance said it would continue its campaign against the Election Commission through protests, public meetings and legal measures. The meeting brought together leaders from several opposition parties, who agreed on a coordinated action plan over the SIR issue.

Banerjee also said the INDIA bloc remained united on the issue and called for coordinated action. The parties' campaign is expected to intensify from October 2, with district-level demonstrations followed by the planned march to the Election Commission on October 6.