INDIA bloc passes ‘impeachment motion’; Rahul says ‘Gyanesh won’t survive’

Experts discuss 'impeachment' event

Experts discuss the INDIA bloc's 'impeachment' of CEC event. Watch it here.

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Shashi Tharoor on 'impeachment' programme: 'Glad to have witnessed this unprecedented event at close quarters'

"The public impeachment of Gyanesh Kumar was conducted with great seriousness and gravitas," says Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.

INDIA bloc's 'public impeachment' against CEC Gyanesh 'drama': JD(U)

The Janata Dal (United) on Saturday termed the INDIA bloc's public impeachment exercise against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar a "drama", accusing the Congress of trying to push the country towards anarchy.

JD(U) national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad said that the exercise does not reflect the role of a constructive opposition and that the entire episode reflects an extremist perspective and will not help resolve any dispute. "This is not going to resolve any dispute in any manner. It is an attempt to push the country towards anarchy," Prasad told PTI.

The remarks came after the INDIA bloc held a symbolic "public impeachment" of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), alleging that the right to vote is under threat as the poll panel is functioning at the behest of the Modi government.

Criticising the opposition's "public impeachment" exercise, the JD(U) leader said it does not convey the message of a constructive opposition. "This entire impeachment exercise is nothing but a drama. The message they are trying to convey through it does not reflect the approach of a constructive opposition," he said.

Youth Congress expects 20,000 workers to join Nov 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan

The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) on Saturday said it expects over 20,000 workers from across the country to participate in the Ramlila Maidan rally in Delhi to press for accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged "vote chori".

The organisation had earlier issued a "Chalo Delhi" call, mobilising state units, district committees and grassroots workers for the INDIA bloc's Sunday rally.

According to an official statement, IYC national in-charge Manish Sharma said more than 20,000 workers are expected to attend the rally, arguing that electoral transparency and the impartiality of the Election Commission are issues that concern every citizen.

"Vote chori is not merely a political issue; it concerns the fundamental democratic right of every citizen," Sharma said, demanding answers from the poll panel over alleged irregularities in electoral processes.

IYC national president Uday Bhanu Chib said the rally would seek accountability from the Election Commission and raise concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

"The Election Commission is a constitutional institution entrusted with protecting the people's mandate, not serving the interests of those in power," Chib said.

The IYC said workers from different states were travelling to Delhi to participate in the November 1 rally and press for electoral transparency and the protection of voting rights.

Over 4,000 cops, CAPF companies to be deployed for INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan

More than 4,000 police personnel, along with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies, will be deployed in view of the INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on Sunday, with the venue divided into 14 zones and over 200 CCTV cameras installed for surveillance, officials said.

The police have made elaborate security and traffic arrangements for the rally, which is expected to draw around 50,000 people, with deployment planned both along the march route from Minto Bridge to the venue and at the Ramlila Maidan, officials said.

Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, accompanied by senior officers including the special commissioner, joint commissioner and deputy commissioners of central and New Delhi districts, inspected security arrangements at Minto Road and Ramlila Maidan on Saturday.

An official said the deployment would cover the route leading to the venue and the rally ground itself. Police personnel from different districts, along with companies of CAPF, would be deployed to manage the crowd and maintain law and order.

In a related development, the deployment of 270 companies of CAPF -- called in earlier this month in view of a series of protests -- has been extended for the third time, until November 16. Delhi Police has been tasked with coordinating their deployment across the city.

"More than 200 cameras have been installed for surveillance. We will monitor crowd formation, entry and exit points and check for any criminal elements entering the venue," a senior officer said.

The arrangements also include drone surveillance and body-worn cameras. A control room has been set up inside the ground to monitor the situation, while anti-riot vehicles and other surveillance equipment will remain deployed to deal with any eventuality.

Each of the 14 zones at the venue will be supervised by an officer of the assistant commissioner of police (ACP) rank, while two zones will be monitored by an additional DCP-rank officer. Senior officers will keep a close watch on the arrangements.

'Impeachment' event ends with National Anthem

The event concludes with the playing of the National Anthem.

INDIA bloc passes motion to 'impeach' Gyanesh

The motion to 'impeach' Gyanesh put to vote by presiding officer Meira Kumar. The motion passed unanimously by a show of hands.

Rahul: 'Gyanesh should be tried for treason'

Rahul: "This is a warning to you: things are shifting. Please hear this warning and realise that this is a new political weapon sitting in the garden, and this weapon is going to hurt you very badly if you continue down your path. I am saying this with love and affection; we are not nasty or evil people, but we will protect the Constitution and the voice of our people...I fully support the motion that Mr Gyanesh Kumar should not only be impeached but should also be tried in a court of law for treason so that justice can be served."

Rahul attacks Modi, Shah, CEC

Rahul: "Remember that one day you are going to face the representatives of the people of India. You have taken this game outside the normal ambit, outside the legal framework, to rigging the election. You are the instruments of Modi and Shah and so you are our first targets. This group of people should realise this. Modi and Shah, we will deal with in time but first we will come for you (CEC, poll officials). If these people think Modi and Shah will save them, I suggest to them with love and kindness please see the mood of the people, see what is happening on the streets. You can continue to rig the election, we guarantee you this is a temporary phenomenon. The Opposition MPs, the youngsters will not forgive and forget what you have done. What you have done is not an ordinary assault on our country. You have attacked the fundamentals, the soul of this country and we will not let you get away with it."

Rahul: 'Gyanesh Kumar will not survive as CEC'

Rahul: "One in every seven Indian, 15 per cent of India's voters have been deleted. Last Lok Sabha election, these voters voted. Now the EC is saying these 13 crore voters should not have voted, they voted illegally. The EC is in a way saying the 2024 election was illegitimate. Gyanesh Kumar will not survive as CEC. We have enough proof... This is an extremely dangerous political weapon that is sitting here. This weapon is targeted at Gyanesh, Modi, Shah and every single person who has colluded against the voters of this country."