The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will discuss its future strategy on the issue on Tuesday amid the controversy surrounding the functioning of the Election Commission.
A political controversy has erupted within the Election Commission following alleged differences over certain decisions related to the voter list and SIR. A report in the English daily “Indian Express” claimed that two Election Commissioners had raised objections 14 times in the last 10 months on such matters.
The Election Commission has stated that differing opinions and suggestions during internal deliberations are part of the normal process and that its decisions are taken unanimously and in accordance with established statutory procedures. The Congress is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over this issue.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said on Monday that he has called a meeting of the Congress Working Committee on Tuesday, where the issue will be discussed and all members will submit their suggestions. He stated that they will take up this issue seriously. This issue concerns the people of the entire country, the existence of our democracy, and the future of India. Therefore, we are very serious about this matter.
The Congress President also cited objections reportedly raised within the Election Commission and referred to the alleged statement by former Kerala Chief Secretary GG Thomson, who stated that the Chief Election Commissioner had asked him to contest the elections.
Kharge alleged that the Chief Election Commissioner was promoting the ideology of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He said that Gyanesh Kumar should resign and action should be taken against him even after his resignation.
The Congress Working Committee meeting is also likely to discuss preparations for the upcoming assembly elections, the current political situation in the country, and future political strategy. The Congress had previously discussed student issues and several other topics in detail at its Working Committee meeting on August 19.