Sharmila reiterates demand for CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation

AP Congress president YS Sharmila invites DMK MP Kanimozhi to her daughter Anjili’s wedding in Chennai on Sunday.

Andhra Pradesh Congress President YS Sharmila has reiterated her demand for Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, saying recent developments in the Election Commission of India have raised serious concerns about transparency, accountability and collective decision-making.

Addressing the media in Tamil Nadu on Sunday, where she had gone to invite political leaders and family friends to her daughter’s wedding, Ms Sharmila said the right to vote was the most important and personal right of every citizen and the foundation of Indian democracy.

Referring to reports that fellow election commissioners had objected to 14 orders allegedly issued without their consent, she questioned how such decisions could be taken without the consent of other members of the constitutional body.

“The people of India deserve to know how these decisions were made, who approved them and who will be held accountable,” she said.

Ms Sharmila alleged that independent institutions were increasingly coming under the influence of the Modi government and the BJP, citing concerns raised earlier about institutions such as the CBI, the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate.

She warned that any attempt to compromise the sanctity of voting will weaken the foundations of the constitution and democracy. She said the Congress would continue to fight against any efforts to undermine democratic institutions under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi.

“Our vote is our vote. Our democracy is our strength and we will not let anyone take that away from the Indian people,” she said.

Published – 04 Oct 2026 20:22 IST