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Chavan seeks probe into ECI functioning, removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Kolhapur, Sep 27 (UNI) Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Sunday demanded a thorough investigation into the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and sought initiation of the process for removing Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar from office, citing a report published by The Indian Express.
In a post on social media platform X, the senior Congress leader described the report as “shocking” and said the allegations concerning the functioning of the poll panel required a detailed investigation.
Chavan said the Election Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution and referred to the Supreme Court's 1995 judgment in T.N. Seshan vs Government of India, which laid down principles concerning the role and powers of the Election Commission.
Citing the Indian Express report, Chavan alleged that CEC Gyanesh Kumar had taken decisions on behalf of the Commission without consulting the other members. He said the details had been recorded in the report and claimed that the allegations had not been refuted so far.
Alleging an “abuse of power” by the Chief Election Commissioner, Chavan questioned, “Who were they helping win the elections?”
He described the allegations as among the most serious in the last 12 years and rejected the Election Commission's explanation that decisions were taken collectively.
“There may be differences; but as per the law, decisions must be taken collectively, either unanimously or by majority vote,” he said.
Chavan urged the Congress to immediately convene a meeting of leaders of the INDIA bloc and said a delegation led by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi should meet the President and demand the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner.
He also called on the Supreme Court, if necessary, to take suo motu cognisance and examine the functioning of the Election Commission.
Chavan further demanded that Opposition parties move a motion under the constitutional procedure for the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner.
“This issue is very serious. Democracy has no meaning if elections are managed,” he said, while also demanding the suspension of Gyanesh Kumar.
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