Opposition's mock Parliament to back CEC Gyanesh Kumar impeachment
New Delhi, October 29: Ahead of a planned mock parliament on Friday, the Congress-led opposition has stepped up its campaign against the Election Commission. The opposition has accused the poll body of arbitrary decisions and irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The session will debate a proposal to impeach Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The INDIA bloc will convene the symbolic session at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Opposition MPs will make their case before the public and then vote in favour of impeaching the Chief Election Commissioner, according to reports.
Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar is likely to preside over the symbolic parliament. Opposition MPs from the bloc are expected to argue for the impeachment.
On Thursday, Mallikarjun Kharge spoke to the press and supported the idea of a symbolic parliament. He said a movement is needed to awaken people in a democracy. He added that the Congress is committed to exposing what it sees as a collusion between the government and the Election Commission.
The opposition admits that the move is symbolic. It argues, however, that it reflects widespread public anger and unrest over alleged electoral irregularities.
CPI(M) MP John Brittas said the symbolic parliament represents public aspirations and demands rather than a publicity gimmick. He went further, outlining that the INDIA bloc intends to pursue impeachment of the incumbent Chief Election Commissioner in a public forum. He claimed the ruling party has repeatedly ignored and crushed the opposition's voice.
"This will reflect the aspirations of the people," Brittas told reporters. "We will have a proper impeachment process with a presiding officer. Meira Kumar, former Lok Sabha Speaker, will preside over this symbolic parliament. Representatives of various parties will present their views."
He further said that Mallikarjun Kharge, as Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, will move the motion, and Rahul Gandhi, as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, will close the discussion. Civil society representatives will take part, and victims of SIR will appear to present their evidence.