INDIA Bloc Meeting Today to Discuss Joint Protest Against Gyanesh Kumar

New Delhi: Opposition parties are set to intensify their joint nationwide agitation demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of undermining the impartiality and credibility of the electoral process. The INDIA bloc will meet at Constitution Club on Wednesday to take decisions on key issues, including future programmes for the joint agitation and steps to submit fresh notices in both Houses of Parliament seeking Gyanesh Kumar's removal.

The meeting will discuss in detail issues including his alleged misuse of authority in favour of the BJP and the Central government, the situation following the emergence of objections raised by Election Commissioners, the introduction of fresh notices in Parliament seeking the CEC's removal and future legal action.

CPI(M) General Secretary M A Baby and Rajya Sabha floor leader John Brittas MP will represent the party at the meeting. The Left is of the view that the strength and reach of the protest should be expanded beyond the INDIA bloc. It has proposed a broad-based agitation involving all parties and organisations committed to democracy and the protection of the Constitution. With this objective, CPI(M) General Secretary M A Baby had held discussions with leaders of major opposition parties.

The CPI(M) will reiterate this position at Wednesday's INDIA bloc meeting. Although they may not attend the meeting, the DMK and AAP have extended support to joint moves against Gyanesh Kumar.

The DMK has said it cannot attend the INDIA bloc meeting as long as the Congress-TVK alliance continues in Tamil Nadu. The party has also cited the upcoming by-election in the state. Strong opposition to the Congress has also been cited by the AAP as a reason for its inability to attend the INDIA bloc meeting.