New Delhi, October 31: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday accused Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar of functioning under the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that the independence of the Election Commission was being compromised.

The INDIA bloc launched a symbolic public impeachment proceeding against CEC Gyanesh Kumar at Kharge’s residence on Rajaji Marg in New Delhi. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar presided over the proceedings.

Addressing the gathering, Kharge said the Opposition had raised concerns about the CEC's conduct in Parliament but its efforts to initiate proceedings against him had been rejected.

“CEC Gyanesh Kumar is running the Commission under the direct instructions of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. Seven months ago, 193 Opposition MPs moved a motion in both Houses of Parliament seeking his removal. However, our notices were rejected, and no cognisance was taken of them,” Kharge alleged.

He said the symbolic proceeding was intended to protect the credibility and constitutional independence of the Election Commission rather than pursue any personal agenda against the CEC.

“We hold no personal grudge against the CEC. Our intention is to ensure that the Election Commission functions impartially and in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution, so that the common man's trust in the institution remains intact,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of protecting electoral rights, Kharge added, “We must ensure that the voting rights of vulnerable sections, women and the youth are not surreptitiously deleted from a computer by someone sitting in Delhi.”

The Congress chief also accused the BJP-led government of using central agencies and political manoeuvres to retain power since 2014. He alleged that the ruling party had weakened democratic institutions by engineering defections, splitting political parties and toppling elected governments.

“Since 2014, every possible conspiracy has been hatched to seize and retain power. They have stolen MPs, broken up political parties, toppled governments, and used electoral bonds, the ED and the CBI. Now, they are stealing votes,” Kharge alleged.

Referring to the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, Kharge claimed that the legislation had weakened the independence and accountability of election commissioners.

He alleged that the law, passed in December 2023 after the suspension of 145 Opposition MPs, provided election commissioners with excessive legal protection.

“This law grants Election Commissioners a lifelong protective shield—a level of protection not even afforded to the President or the Chief Justice of India,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar highlighted the importance of free and fair elections in preserving India's democratic foundations.

She said the INDIA bloc had decided to convene a meeting to advance a motion seeking Gyanesh Kumar's removal from the post of Chief Election Commissioner. According to her, the motion would be moved in the Rajya Sabha by Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, who would subsequently make a statement on the issue.

Describing India as the world's largest democracy, Meira Kumar said its electoral system continued to inspire countries across Asia, Africa and South America.

“Our democracy is driven by the power of elections, and at the heart of this electoral power lies the soul of the voter. The voter is the focal point of the entire electoral process. If even a single voter is denied the right to cast their vote, it strikes a blow to the very soul of our democracy,” she said.

She further stressed that preventing an eligible citizen from exercising their franchise amounted to undermining the country's democratic values.

Earlier, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi appealed to people to join a march in the national capital ahead of the INDIA bloc's proposed mega rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1.

In a post on X, Gandhi announced the route and timing of the march, urging supporters to participate. “See you tomorrow, let's walk together,” he wrote.

According to his announcement, the march will begin at 12 noon on Sunday from the Minto Road junction near Connaught Place. Participants will proceed towards Ajmeri Gate before concluding at Ramlila Maidan, where the INDIA bloc is scheduled to hold its rally.

However, Delhi Police sources said that permission had not been sought for the proposed march from Connaught Place.

The November 1 rally is expected to bring together INDIA bloc leaders and supporters, with electoral integrity, alleged vote manipulation and the protection of voting rights likely to remain central issues. (ANI Input)