Strong response, says BJP as impeachment against CEC rejected; Oppn claims democratic process ignored

New Delhi, April 7 As Rajya Sabha Chairman, C.P. Radhakrishnan, rejected the Opposition’s impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, BJP and Shiv Sena on Tuesday termed the rejection a 'strong response' to those allegedly misusing constitutional provisions for political gains. However, the Opposition said that the "democratic process had been ignored."

BJP leader Rohan Gupta said that the move sends a clear message that constitutional processes cannot be driven by political convenience.

“This is a strong response to those who claim to uphold the Constitution but play politics for their own benefit. If something goes against personal interests, it does not mean the Constitution is at risk. Allegations must be backed by proof, not repeated for political mileage,” Gupta told IANS.

Echoing similar sentiments, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC said the Opposition had relied largely on rhetoric rather than evidence.

Shaina NC claimed, "The Opposition has only resorted to rhetoric. Gyanesh Kumar has not done anything wrong; there has been no partisan favouritism, no discriminatory conduct, rather, there has been transparency."

However, Opposition leaders criticised the rejection, calling it a blow to democratic procedures.

RJD leader Manoj Jha said, "It was not dismissed. The impeachment motion was not rejected. The democratic process has been ignored. According to our Constitution, there are certain provisions for extraordinary situations, and this is an extraordinary situation. Even the Supreme Court, if one looks at its previous observations — or I, as a petitioner in the court — clearly indicate that this is a case where we feel that parliamentary democracy should not be undermined or turned into a mere museum piece."

It was the first time a notice seeking the removal of the Election Commission chief was issues with the signature of 130 Lok Sabha MPs and 63 Rajya Sabha members.

Members were informed that a notice of motion dated March 12, 2026, signed by 63 Members of the Rajya Sabha under Article 324(5) of the Constitution of India, read with Article 124(4), Section 11(2) of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, had been submitted seeking Kumar’s removal.

After a careful and objective assessment of all relevant aspects and issues involved, the Chairman, Rajya Sabha, exercised the powers vested under Section 3 of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, and refused to admit the notice of motion.

Separately, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also rejected the Opposition's notice seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Lok Sabha Speaker exercised the powers vested in him under the provisions of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, to reject the motion.

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