NEW DELHI – Senior Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien has raised concerns over the lack of progress regarding a formal notice seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
According to the Rajya Sabha MP, nearly two weeks have passed since 193 parliamentarians from the Opposition submitted notices in both Houses of Parliament. Speaking on Friday, March 27, O’Brien alleged that the omission of the matter from the parliamentary agenda reflects a “tacit understanding” between the Union Government and the Election Commission.
The Opposition’s move comes amid the ongoing Parliament Budget Session, where tensions have remained high over the independence of constitutional bodies. Under Article 324(5) of the Constitution, a CEC can only be removed from office in a manner similar to a Judge of the Supreme Court, requiring a motion supported by a majority of the total membership of each House and a two-thirds majority of those present and voting.
