Story perspectives

Rahul Gandhi Demands Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar Resign

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 4:57 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi demanded Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resign and accused PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah of rigging.
The Indian Express reported two Election Commissioner objected at least fourteen times over ten months to poll panel decisions.
Gandhi showed videos of Modi and Shah discussing long-term BJP rule and called them deshdrohi.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari dismissed Gandhi’s claim as a squib and cited Congress’s consecutive wins in Rae Bareli.

History

Historical Context

The 1977 Indian general election, held after the 21-month Emergency declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, restored democratic rule. The Election Commission, then led by Chief Commissioner T.N. Seshan, oversaw a voter turnout of 61 percent, while the Congress fell to 153 seats. Today's accusations by opposition leader Rahul Gandhi that Narendra Modi and Amit Shah manipulate the poll panel echo the 1977 demand for electoral integrity. If the Election Commission repeats past complacency, India risks another erosion of public trust, prompting courts and civil society to demand reforms.

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Story summary

Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi demanded Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resign and accused PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah of rigging.
The Indian Express reported two Election Commissioner objected at least fourteen times over ten months to poll panel decisions.
Gandhi showed videos of Modi and Shah discussing long-term BJP rule and called them deshdrohi.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari dismissed Gandhi’s claim as a squib and cited Congress’s consecutive wins in Rae Bareli.

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