Why Gyanesh Kumar row marks crucial reckoning in BJP vs INDIA bloc battle

The recent row surrounding Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has the potential to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the India bloc. The controversy revolves around alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, which led to the deletion of over 13 crore voters from the draft electoral rolls.

Kumar has been under intense scrutiny after the Election Commission (EC) held its first meeting since a The Indian Express expose revealed a deep divide within the poll panel. The EC released a note addressing some of the concerns raised by Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, two of the EC members who had repeatedly objected to the CEC's decisions. However, the note was ambivalent on several other issues that have sparked widespread public concern.

The BJP has expressed full support for CEC Gyanesh Kumar, while the Opposition parties and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have intensified their demand for his resignation. The ruling party's stance could potentially escalate the situation, which might reflect a shift in public sentiment. The BJP has dismissed the differences between Sandhu and Joshi and the CEC as routine matters, similar to past instances.

The SIR crisis is a significant issue as it directly affects millions of voters, with many questioning the EC's integrity. The EC's credibility has taken a hit, and the government is keen to defuse the crisis rather than escalate it. Opposition parties are preparing for a nationwide movement, possibly dubbed "Jantar Mantar 2.0," to demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar's removal.

The ground for the Opposition appears stronger today than in the past 12 years, but their ability to put pressure on the EC and the government remains to be seen.