Vote 'chori' row: Will INDIA bloc bring impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar?

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain, on Monday, said that the party might consider strong steps against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar. This comes a day after the Election Commission issued an ultimatum to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to apologise or submit an affidavit for his 'vote chori' allegations on the poll body. 

Upon being asked whether the INDIA bloc might bring an impeachment motion against the CEC, Hussain told ANI, "If there is a need, we will use all weapons of democracy under the rules. We have not had any discussions (about impeachment) as of now, but if needed, we can do anything..." 

According to a report by ANI, quoted with various sources, the opposition parties might introduce an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during the monsoon session. 

Hussain's remarks came during the ongoing row between the Election Commission and Rahul Gandhi, ever since the latter accused the poll body of 'vote chori' in Karnataka. Responding to it, Gyanesh Kumar, on Sunday, dismissed Rahul's charges, calling it an "insult" to the Constitution. Further, asking him to file an affidavit or seek an apology within a period of seven days. 

Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Kumar said, "An affidavit will have to be given or an apology should be made to the country. Teesra koi vikalp nahi (There is no third option)." 

While pointing to BJP's Anurag Thakur, Rahul Gandhi questioned the impartiality of EC, saying, "The Election Commission asks for an affidavit from me. But when Anurag Thakur says the same thing as me, it does not ask for an affidavit from him." 

Congress leaders also accused the CEC of sounding like a BJP spokesperson. Pawan Khera said, "It seemed the BJP was speaking today. Did he give any response about the one lakh voters we exposed in Mahadevapura?" 

Rahul Gandhi had alleged that there had been large-scale irregularities in the Mahadevapura Assembly constituency, with over one lakh votes stolen through invalid and duplicate entries. He even accused EC of "destroying evidence" by limiting CCTV footage for 45 days. 

Other parties, including RJD and JMM, also joined Congress and demanded clarity from the EC over the documents and allegations of Rahul. The CEC has, however, insisted that it stands like a rock with voters.