CEC Row Erupts: Ex-Home Secretary Calls for Election Boycott Until Gyanesh Kumar Resigns

A former Home Secretary has called on Opposition parties to boycott all elections until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resigns, intensifying a growing controversy over the independence of India's Election Commission. The demand comes as the Congress Working Committee is scheduled to meet today, September 29, to deliberate on what it describes as "internal differences" within the poll body.

The row centers on allegations of partisan functioning and lack of transparency in the Election Commission under Kumar's leadership. While the former Home Secretary did not provide specific evidence, his call reflects broader Opposition grievances over recent electoral decisions. The Congress Working Committee's meeting is expected to formulate a unified stance, with several parties already expressing support for a boycott if demands for Kumar's resignation are not met.

The development poses a significant challenge to India's electoral credibility ahead of upcoming state and general elections. If the Opposition proceeds with a boycott, it could undermine the legitimacy of the electoral process and draw international scrutiny. The government has not yet responded to the boycott call, but the Election Commission has previously dismissed allegations of bias. All eyes are now on the Congress Working Committee's outcome and whether other Opposition parties will join the boycott threat.