New Delhi, Oct 5: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday came down heavily on the Election Commission alleging that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar changed form 6 illegally and unilaterally and it is just one proof of him abusing his position.
The Congress also made it clear that it’s three demands are non negotiable including resignation of Gyanesh Kumar.
In a post on X in Hindi, Kharge said, “The Congress Party’s 3 demands are non-negotiable. First, the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar, second, the cancellation of SIR and third, conducting elections on ballot paper.”
Kharge said that across the country, Congress workers and INDIA alliance partners are on the streets over these three issues.
“Whoever Civil Society members and youth organisations are struggling on these issues in various places across the country, we stand with them,” he said.
“On the other hand, the BJP has harassed female journalists in Delhi, which is highly condemnable. The dictator is extremely panicked; get ready for another chapter in the distraction tactics,” the Congress president said.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi slammed CEC Gyanesh Kumar alleging that he changed form 6 illegally and unilaterally and it is just one proof of him abusing his position.
In a post on X, he said, “It is now established beyond doubt that Gyanesh Kumar changed Form 6 illegally and unilaterally.”
“This is just one more proof of him abusing his position to help the BJP. He and everyone else involved in this criminal assault on our democracy will be held accountable,” the Congress leader added.
Rahul Gandhi’s also attached a press release along with his post that highlighted that “the declaration attached to Form 6 for SIR has been upheld by the Supreme Court. For non-SIR period, the Forms applicable as per Rules (the Registration of Electors Rules 1960) will be used”.
The remarks of the Congress leader came after the top court on Monday issued notice to the Commission and others on pleas seeking suspension and prosecution of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over SIR decisions allegedly taken unilaterally.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant also pointed out that “modified Form 6 has not been approved by us, let us be very clear”.
A political row has erupted over the SUR exercise in last few days with the opposition parties seeking removal of Gyanesh Kumar.