The constituent parties of the opposition alliance ‘India’ are expected to meet here on September 30th to discuss the functioning of the Election Commission and concerns related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, as well as several other issues. This meeting will come amid reports of differences within the Election Commission over various aspects of the SIR, and increased coordination among opposition parties on the issue.
Sources said that opposition parties are in touch with each other on the issue and are discussing a joint response. The Congress, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the Communist Party of India (CPI), and the CPI (ML)-Liberation have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and an immediate stay on the SIR.
The Congress has said that Gyanesh Kumar should resign and become a government witness in the case. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet on September 29th to discuss its strategy on the issue.
In West Bengal, the issue of the Election Commission has also brought together political rivals Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress and the CPI(M). CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby wrote to the “India” alliance and other opposition leaders, requesting a meeting to discuss the development. Following this, he spoke with former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Banerjee also stated that the situation requires coordinated action.
Preparations to introduce motions in both houses of Parliament
Opposition parties are preparing to submit a new notice to introduce motions in both houses of Parliament to remove Gyanesh Kumar. This will be the third attempt by the opposition to remove Kumar.