Rahul Gandhi Targets CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Claims 200 Government Officers Are in Contact With Opposition
Rahul Gandhi criticised Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during protests against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. He claimed that Kumar was fearful, alleged that some police personnel supported the protesters and said 200 government officers were sharing information with the opposition. Gandhi also announced plans to approach the Supreme Court and appealed for wider public participation in the demonstrations.
New Delhi: Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi intensified his criticism of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Monday, alleging that the election official was under pressure amid ongoing protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Gandhi claimed that Kumar was fearful of the growing demonstrations and accused the Election Commission of failing to address concerns raised by opposition parties over alleged irregularities in the voter-list revision exercise.
'Gyanesh Kumar Is Unable to Sleep,' Claims Rahul Gandhi
Gandhi alleged that the Chief Election Commissioner was increasingly worried about the protests.
"Gyanesh Kumar is in fear. He is unable to sleep," Gandhi told reporters.
The Congress leader also claimed that several police personnel privately sympathised with the protesters.
According to Gandhi, nearly 50 per cent of police personnel had expressed support for the demonstrators' demands.
These statements were allegations made by Gandhi and have not been independently verified.
'200 Government Officers Are in Touch With Us'
In another significant allegation, Gandhi claimed that around 200 officers working within the central government were providing information to the opposition.
"I want to tell PM Modi, 200 officers from within his government are in touch with us and passing us information," he said.
Gandhi did not publicly identify the officers or provide evidence supporting the claim in the remarks reported.
The allegation comes amid the opposition's continuing campaign concerning the Election Commission's handling of the SIR exercise.
Opposition Announces Supreme Court Petition
Gandhi also announced plans to approach the Supreme Court over concerns involving Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The opposition proposed a march from Barakhamba Road in central Delhi towards the Supreme Court, covering approximately three kilometres.
Gandhi appealed to citizens to join the demonstration and carry the Indian national flag.
The proposed march forms part of the INDIA bloc's campaign demanding accountability from the Election Commission over alleged voter-list irregularities.
Rahul Gandhi Calls for United Protest
Before the demonstration, Gandhi released a video message inviting civil society organisations, students and members of the public to participate.
"All protests are one protest. There is no parallel protest. India is marching," Gandhi said.
His remarks also referred to demonstrations organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has separately demanded Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
Gandhi called for different protest groups to unite around their stated objective of protecting constitutional institutions and electoral transparency.
SIR Controversy Fuels Political Confrontation
The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has become a major point of disagreement between the opposition and the Election Commission.
Opposition parties have alleged irregularities in the revision process and raised concerns about voter deletions.
The Election Commission has maintained that electoral-roll revision is intended to ensure the accuracy and integrity of voter lists.
Gandhi's latest statements have intensified the political confrontation, with opposition parties continuing to demand Kumar's resignation and judicial scrutiny of the disputed process.