CEC Must Resign to Ensure Accountability, Demands Congress Leader Shashi Tharoor
Speaking in an interview, senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Dr Shashi Tharoor outlined the opposition's demands regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and the functioning of the Election Commission of India. Dr Tharoor asserted that a "tangible victory would be if we can actually help restore the voting rights of Indian citizens", alleging widespread voter deletions and irregularities. He called for a suspension of the SIR process, a review of the electoral roll software, and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, warning that the opposition would pursue impeachment if he does not step down. Furthermore, Dr Tharoor criticized the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, describing it as an attempt by the authorities to move dissent away from public view. Highlighting demonstrations across central Delhi, he emphasized that restoring electoral integrity remains essential for democracy, reiterating that a level playing field is necessary for genuinely free and fair elections.