CEC Gyanesh Kumar Faces Growing Calls for Resignation
Demands for CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation have intensified amid controversy over electoral-roll revisions and the SIR process. Opposition groups have staged protests, while the Election Commission has defended its institutional decision-making. No confirmed resignation has been announced as of September 26.
NETB24
Pressure on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has intensified following a controversy over the Election Commission’s handling of electoral-roll revisions and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
The issue gained momentum after reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections or concerns on several occasions regarding decisions connected with electoral rolls between November 2025 and August 2026. The reports have triggered demands from opposition parties and other groups for Kumar to step down.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has publicly demanded Kumar’s resignation, while Congress has organized demonstrations in several parts of the country. Police used water cannons and tear gas at some protests on September 25, according to Reuters.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has also demanded Kumar’s resignation and announced plans for further nationwide protests if he does not step down.
However, the Election Commission has rejected the suggestion that the reported differences demonstrate a breakdown in its functioning. The Commission has said that differing views are normal during institutional deliberations and that its final decisions, including those concerning SIR, were unanimous.
However, the Election Commission has rejected the suggestion that the reported differences demonstrate a breakdown in its functioning. The Commission has said that differing views are normal during institutional deliberations and that its final decisions, including those concerning SIR, were unanimous.
Current Status
Gyanesh Kumar remains Chief Election Commissioner. The current developments concern demands for his resignation/removal and legal and political challenges, rather than an announced resignation.
