GUWAHATI, Oct 23: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing the Election Commission of India (ECI) of losing its constitutional independence and alleging that its chief was acting in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Gogoi claimed that the poll panel had been stripped of its constitutional authority and responsibilities. He alleged that Kumar had placed the interests of the ruling leadership above his constitutional obligations and insisted that he should step down.
The Congress leader also announced that the INDIA bloc planned to organise a mock Parliament on October 28, although the details were yet to be finalised. He said the Congress’s ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ rallies had resumed nationwide after a pause during Navratri, Dussehra and Durga Puja.
Gogoi criticised Modi for repeatedly referring to the Congress and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in his speeches, arguing that the Prime Minister was focusing on political attacks instead of addressing public concerns. He said the government should prioritise issues affecting the middle class, students, people in Manipur and drought-hit regions.
He also questioned the government’s reliance on the Shimla Agreement of the 1970s in its arguments, alleging that the BJP-led government resorted to historical references when it came under pressure.
Accusing the BJP government of lacking political direction and vision, Gogoi questioned its ability to remain in power until 2029. He further alleged that the party relied on electoral malpractice to win elections.
