New Delhi [India], October 30 (ANI): Independent MP Pappu Yadav on Friday accused the central government of subverting public mandate, demanding an immediate parliamentary session to discuss the impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, adding that an electoral democracy is one chosen by the people.
Speaking to the reporter, Yadav underlined growing opposition demands regarding institutional accountability, highlighting the concerns over parliamentary procedures.
"An electoral democracy is one chosen by the people. You have witnessed how they (the central govt) pushed through legislation after expelling 100 MPs from the House. They introduced laws in a dictatorial manner while the MPs were absent, completely abandoning all the norms and decorum of democracy within the House,” Pappu Yadav told ANI.
Yadav further condemned the administration's response to public agitation, noting that widespread dissent is being ignored.
Yadav added, “The entire opposition and the nation at large are calling for the impeachment of Gyanesh Kumar. The people of this country have been out on the streets, yet this govt acts like a dictator. They are violating the sanctity of our institutions in an illegitimate manner. They must convene the House immediately and hold a discussion on the impeachment of Gyanesh Kumar."
Echoing similar concerns from Ranchi, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Manoj Pandey stressed that the ongoing controversies surrounding the electoral process require a united, non-partisan response from political stakeholders.
"The critical issue currently facing the nation and its citizens demands that all political parties rise above partisan interests and unite; this is a battle for our very existence. It is a fight on behalf of the 15 crore voters whose names have been or are in the process of being removed from the electoral rolls. The SIR process is deeply flawed. An individual within the Election Commission is abusing his authority, acting as if he stands above Parliament itself—all while enjoying the protection of his political masters,” Manoj Pandey told ANI.
He added, “The 'INDIA' alliance demands the immediate removal of this individual and comprehensive reforms to the electoral process. The moment calls for us to fight for our existence and to defend our democracy. People from every corner of the country are now taking to the streets... This is a decisive battle, and we will force the central government to yield."
Meanwhile, ahead of the opposition's public impeachment programme against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, scheduled for 3.30 pm, INDIA bloc leaders have started arriving at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi on Friday to attend the meeting.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, party leader Pawan Khera, General Secretary KC Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh are among the leaders expected to attend the meeting at 10, Rajaji Marg.
The meeting comes amid the opposition's protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The INDIA bloc has accused the Election Commission of undermining electoral democracy and has raised allegations of irregularities in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has stepped up preparations to counter the opposition's allegations through its 'Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy' campaign. (ANI)
“Electoral democracy is one chosen by people”: Independent MP Pappu Yadav urges House session on CEC's impeachment
