Gyanesh Kumar undermined Election Commission’s independence: Sachin Pilot

Congress leader Sachin Pilot accused Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of undermining the independence of the Election Commission by dismissing the other two commissioners while making decisions on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Pilot alleged that Kumar centralized powers typically exercised by local Electoral Registration Officers, and claimed that up to 13 crore names were removed from rolls nationwide, selectively targeting voters in states like Haryana, Bihar and West Bengal.

The Congress leader demanded action against Kumar, expressing concern over the erosion of public faith in the Commission as an impartial constitutional body. Pilot also criticized the Rajasthan government's failure to prepare for a drought-like situation despite deficient monsoon rainfall, and accused the BJP of focusing on electoral management rather than addressing natural disaster impacts.

He claimed the BJP government misused law enforcement during urban local body elections and alleged a deterioration of law and order in Punjab under the AAP government. Pilot, serving as AICC general secretary for Punjab, expressed confidence in the Congress securing a clear majority in the upcoming state elections.