12 October,2026 01:24 PM IST | Thiruvananthapuram | mid-day online correspondent
The resolution comes amid ongoing massive protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. File Pic
The Keralam Legislative Assembly on Monday passed a resolution seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Election Commission's functioning, particularly during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, reported the ANI.
The resolution, moved by Chief Minister V D Satheesan, was passed with amendments. Three BJP members opposed it.
The resolution raised concerns over the alleged deletion of eligible voters from electoral rolls without clear criteria or prior notice. It also called for changes to the committee responsible for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.
According to the ANI, the resolution alleged that irregularities in the SIR process could deprive marginalised communities, minorities, migrant workers and young voters of their voting rights.
It expressed concern over reports of eligible voters being excluded from electoral rolls due to technical manipulation and procedural irregularities.
The resolution also referred to media reports alleging that the Election Commission had curtailed the powers of Electoral Registration Officers to prepare voter lists through software systems. It further cited allegations that Form 6, used to apply for inclusion in electoral rolls, had been amended in violation of existing rules, as per the ANI.
The resolution also referred to reports claiming that a majority of the Election Commission's members had expressed disagreement with these actions.
Calling for immediate corrective action, the resolution urged the Election Commission to address the alleged irregularities and restore the voting rights of all eligible citizens whose names had been excluded from electoral rolls.
It said the Election Commission, as a constitutional body, must function independently and impartially, without government influence.
The resolution added that any alleged manipulation of electoral rolls could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and weaken democratic institutions.
The resolution also called for the reconstitution of the committee responsible for selecting the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
It proposed that the selection panel comprise the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India, reported the ANI.
According to the resolution, the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee and changes to the panel's composition had raised concerns about the impartiality of the appointment process.
During the discussion, BJP MLA V Muraleedharan proposed amendments to the resolution, including the addition of the Election Commission's response to reports concerning changes to Form 6.
He also proposed adding a statement condemning attempts by vested interests to discredit the Election Commission, a constitutional body.
The resolution ultimately called on the Election Commission and the Central Government to take steps towards the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner, citing concerns over the Commission's impartiality, as per the ANI.
It said the proposed measures were necessary to protect democracy, uphold constitutional values and safeguard the right to vote guaranteed under Article 326 of the Constitution.
(with ANI inputs)
