Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has renewed her demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that questions over his political neutrality could affect public confidence in the electoral process.
Speaking to reporters in Kerala on Sunday, Priyanka referred to an allegation that Kumar had encouraged former Kerala Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha election on a BJP ticket. She described the allegation as “completely illegal and unethical” and questioned whether election officials facing such allegations could conduct elections fairly.
Priyanka Demands CEC’s Immediate Resignation
Priyanka said the allegations raised questions about the political neutrality of institutions responsible for conducting elections.
She alleged that individuals holding senior positions in the electoral system could have political leanings and questioned how they could oversee elections impartially.
The Congress leader then reiterated her demand that Gyanesh Kumar resign immediately. Her comments represent a political allegation; the reports cited do not independently establish that Kumar made the alleged offer to Thomson.
Allegation Involves Former Kerala Chief Secretary
The controversy centres on claims concerning Jiji Thomson, who served as Kerala’s chief secretary.
According to the allegation raised by Congress leaders, Kumar had encouraged Thomson to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha election on a BJP ticket after his retirement.
Priyanka described the reported interaction as evidence that, in her view, raised concerns about political neutrality. The allegation has become part of the broader political dispute surrounding the Election Commission.
The available reports do not provide an independent confirmation of the alleged conversation or a detailed response from Kumar addressing that specific claim.
SIR Controversy Adds to Political Dispute
Priyanka’s remarks come amid an ongoing political dispute over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Opposition parties have questioned several aspects of the exercise and have demanded greater transparency from the poll panel. The issue has become particularly prominent as the ECI carries out electoral roll revision in multiple states and Union Territories.
The Election Commission has defended the SIR process and its decision-making procedures.
Election Commissioners’ Differences Reported
The latest controversy also follows reports about differences within the Election Commission.
The Indian Express reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded written dissents and objections on several occasions between November 2025 and August 2026. The report also said they had raised concerns over aspects of the electoral roll revision process.
The Election Commission, however, has said that differences of view and observations are part of institutional deliberations. It has also maintained that decisions concerning the nationwide SIR were taken with the unanimous approval of the three commissioners.
Congress Steps Up Protest Against CEC
Priyanka also said protests against the CEC had already taken place in different parts of the country.
She claimed that demonstrations had been held in every district and in Delhi as well. Congress has separately announced protests in Maharashtra over its demands concerning the Election Commission.
The protests are part of a wider opposition campaign focused on the functioning of the poll panel and the SIR exercise.
Opposition Raises Questions Over Electoral Neutrality
Several opposition leaders have recently criticised the Election Commission over electoral roll revisions and other decisions.
The criticism has included demands for greater transparency, scrutiny of the SIR process and accountability for senior election officials. The opposition has also raised concerns about the safeguards available to election commissioners.
The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected allegations that the poll panel is acting in favour of any political party. The ECI has said its procedures are designed to protect the integrity and security of electoral data.
ECI Maintains Decisions Were Unanimous
The Election Commission has sought to address reports suggesting differences among its commissioners.
According to the poll panel’s recent clarification, the schedules for the SIR exercises in different groups of states and Union Territories were issued with the unanimous approval of the Commission.
The clarification comes as opposition parties continue to question the conduct of the electoral roll revision.
Debate Over CEC’s Role Continues
The controversy has placed the role and accountability of the Chief Election Commissioner at the centre of political debate.
Priyanka has argued that allegations concerning political affiliations or leanings must be addressed because of the constitutional responsibility of election authorities. The Congress has also called for changes to legal protections available to election commissioners.
The government and Election Commission have maintained their respective positions on the functioning and safeguards of the electoral institution.
SIR Remains a Major Political Issue
The dispute over Gyanesh Kumar’s position is closely linked to the wider debate over the SIR exercise.
The Election Commission has continued implementing the revision process while extending certain deadlines and modifying procedures in response to developments. Meanwhile, opposition parties have continued to demand greater scrutiny and transparency.
With electoral roll revision continuing in several parts of the country, the disagreement between the opposition and the poll panel is expected to remain a significant political issue.
Priyanka’s latest remarks have therefore renewed the Congress’s demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation while adding to the broader debate over electoral transparency, institutional neutrality and the functioning of the Election Commission.