Keralam Assembly passes resolution seeking removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, steps to restore credibility of ECI

On October 12, 2026, the Keralam Legislative Assembly passed a resolution requesting the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and suggesting measures to enhance transparency within the Election Commission of India (ECI). The United Democratic Front (UDF), led by ruling Congress, and the Opposition CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) supported the resolution introduced by Chief Minister V.D.

Satheesan. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) opposed the contents and suggested amendments, but they were rejected. The assembly expressed deep concern over accusations against the ECI, emphasizing that free, transparent, and impartial elections are the foundation of Indian democracy. Recognizing the doubts cast on the ECI's impartiality, the resolution called for the removal of the CEC to restore the institution's credibility.

It urged the central government and ECI to address issues in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and restore voting rights to all eligible voters. The resolution demanded that the CEC be replaced and proposed restructuring the panel selecting the CEC, including the Chief Justice of India alongside the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader of the Lok Sabha.

The resolution highlighted concerns about millions of eligible voters being excluded from the electoral rolls without proper criteria or prior notification. It criticized the dilution of the powers of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and amendments to Form 6, which the resolution deemed as undermining the people's mandate.

The BJP challenged the legality of the 2026 Assembly elections and sought their cancellation and dissolution of the assembly, but this proposal was also rejected.