Pilot questions CEC’s neutrality

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Saturday questioned the neutrality of chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that his conduct and the process governing his appointment and post-retirement immunity had raised concerns about the independence of the Election Commission.In an interview with news agency ANI, Pilot alleged that the CEC’s actions had undermined public confidence in the electoral institution and called for accountability over the alleged deletion of names from electoral rolls.“If a match umpire is biased, what is the point of playing?”, Pilot said, questioning how voters could have faith in elections if the neutrality of the institution conducting them was under scrutiny.He referred to the alleged deletion of 13.3 crore names from electoral rolls, calling it a challenge to the fundamental right to vote. “13.3 crore people’s names are known to be struck off the electoral rolls. It’s a big challenge to what we believe is the most fundamental issue in our republic, which is the right to vote,” he said.Pilot claimed that the Congress had submitted documentary evidence of alleged wrongdoing by Gyanesh Kumar during his tenure as CEC.“There has been enough tangible data and documents proof given for the wrongdoings that Gyanesh Kumar has conducted through his term as Chief Election Commissioner,” he said.

Pilot questions CEC appointment process, immunity law

Pilot also questioned the legal provisions governing the appointment of the CEC and the immunity granted to the office-holder after demitting office.He said the earlier selection process involved the Prime Minister, the leader of opposition and the Chief Justice of India, and questioned the government’s decision to change the composition of the selection panel.He also challenged the need for a law granting the CEC immunity after leaving office.“What was the need for the government to pass a new law which gives the chief election commissioner immunity for life? Now, he is the only person in the country, not the Prime Minister, not the chief ministers, not the Director of Intelligence or the Army Chief, but the only man who, after demitting office, will have immunity for life,” Pilot said.He alleged that the government had failed to address questions raised by the opposition in Parliament, arguing that the lack of answers had made it necessary to take the issue to the public.“As a political party, we are within our rights to raise this issue and demand answers,” he said.

Congress plans public impeachment proceeding against CEC

Pilot said the opposition was seeking to create awareness, particularly among young people, about the importance of independent electoral institutions. He maintained that institutions expected to function transparently should remain above political affiliations.He also said the legal challenge was already under way, with cases pending before the Supreme Court.“The fight is already going on at multiple levels. We also went to the Supreme Court. The cases are ongoing and are sub judice. The Election Commission has also given a clarification, which obviously you are not convinced about,” he said.

The INDIA bloc has planned a public impeachment proceeding against CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Saturday. The event was postponed on Friday due to rain. The opposition bloc is also scheduled to hold a rally at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday against the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.