Mamata Banerjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, arrived in New Delhi on September 29 ahead of the INDIA bloc meeting scheduled for September 30. Upon her arrival, she addressed the media, emphasising that the primary focus of the opposition discussions will be on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, whom she alleged had deceived the public. Banerjee referred to him as “Vanish Kumar,” a jab underscoring her dissatisfaction with his conduct.

While providing details about the meeting’s agenda, Banerjee called attention to the alleged failures of the Election Commission in conducting fair elections. She stated that the opposition leaders would engage in discussions regarding a potential nationwide protest in response to the claims of electoral malpractice. These claims have surfaced following a report by The Indian Express highlighting concerns raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi concerning the electoral process.

The upcoming meeting is seen as a pivotal moment for the opposition alliance as they strive to present a united front against the government. Banerjee’s assertion highlights the growing discontent among various political leaders regarding the current administration’s handling of electoral integrity.

Congress Party’s Resolutions and Concerns

On the same day, the Congress party convened its Congress Working Committee (CWC) in New Delhi, where prominent leaders such as Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi participated. The CWC passed several resolutions addressing their objections to the electoral process, particularly calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The committee voiced concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, demanding an immediate suspension of this process. Furthermore, they called for the restoration of approximately 13 crore 30 lakh names, which they claim have been improperly removed from the electoral rolls. The CWC characterised these issues as posing a serious threat to the integrity of India’s democracy.

In their resolutions, the Congress leaders expressed their belief that the electoral process has been compromised, allegedly under the influence of the RSS and the BJP, with purported backing from the Election Commission. This sentiment reflects ongoing apprehensions about the fairness of upcoming elections.

Election Commission’s Response to Allegations

In the face of these allegations and the rising political tensions, the Election Commission issued a statement responding to claims of dissent among its members. It firmly stated that objections raised by the two Election Commissioners were not indicative of institutional dissent. The Commission maintained that decisions regarding the Special Intensive Revision were reached with unanimous agreement.

The Election Commission has reiterated its commitment to ensuring free and fair elections in the country, refuting claims of biased practices or mismanagement. They have outlined their processes and protocols, asserting that they operate independently and in accordance with the law.

As the opposition leaders prepare for the INDIA bloc meeting, the issues surrounding electoral integrity remain at the forefront of political discourse. The Congress party’s criticisms and Mamata Banerjee’s pointed remarks highlight a growing urgency among opposition figures to address these challenges in the lead-up to future elections.

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