The Kerala Legislative Assembly on Monday passed a resolution seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, citing concerns over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the exclusion of eligible voters. The resolution was moved by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan under Rule 118 of the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure. The resolution called for three key measures:

● rectification of alleged irregularities in the SIR process and restoration of voting rights to eligible voters whose names were wrongfully deleted;

● initiation of proceedings for the removal of Gyanesh Kumar; and

● reform of the committee responsible for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.

The Assembly expressed concern that eligible voters, including members of marginalised communities, minorities, migrant workers and young voters, could be excluded from electoral rolls without adequate notice or clear criteria. It also raised questions over the Election Commission’s functioning and the transparency of the electoral revision process.

Chief Minister Satheesan described the resolution as a historic step, stating that the integrity of the electoral process and the constitutional rights of citizens could not be compromised. The resolution further called for reconstituting the selection committee for Election Commissioners to include the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India.

Three BJP members opposed it, while the CPI(M)-led Opposition supported the motion. The BJP members had proposed amendments to the resolution, which were rejected.