Gyanesh Kumar undermined Election Commission’s independence: Sachin Pilot

Speaking to reporters in Jaipur, Sachin Pilot alleged that Mr. Kumar sidelined the other two Election Commissioners from taking decisions related to the revision of the electoral roll and demanded action against him. | Photo credit: H. Vibhu

Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Sunday (October 4, 2026) accused Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar of undermining the independence of the Election Commission and alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was being used to selectively erase voters.

Speaking to reporters in Jaipur, Mr. Pilot alleged that Mr. Kumar sidelined the other two Election Commissioners from taking decisions related to the revision of the electoral roll and demanded action against him.

“India and the country work according to law. The Election Commission has three members and decisions are taken either unanimously or by majority. But Gyanesh Kumar sidelined the other two Election Commissioners and started the whole process himself,” he said.

Alleging that the powers normally exercised by Election Registration Officers (EROs) at the local level were being centralized, Mr. Pilot alleged that the names of voters were being added or deleted from Delhi.

He alleged that about 13 million names were removed from electoral rolls across the country and alleged that voters were selectively targeted in states including Haryana, Bihar and West Bengal.

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“First there was demonetisation and now they are doing ‘votebandi’. Voting is the biggest democratic right of a citizen. If this right is taken away, what can be more serious than this?” said Mr. Pilot. He claimed that the public’s trust in the Election Commission as an impartial constitutional institution had been violated and demanded a lawsuit against the ÚVK.

On the drought conditions in Rajasthan, Mr. Pilot, a former deputy chief minister, blamed the state government for not making advance preparations despite deficient monsoon rainfall in several areas.

“Government planning has failed completely. Had arrangements been made a month or two ago and a plan prepared after the monsoon proved inadequate, some relief could have been provided and the situation might not have become so dire,” he said.

Mr. Pilot argued that the BJP government’s focus remained on managing elections and retaining power, rather than addressing the problems arising from the lack of rainfall. He also accused the government of misusing the police and administration during the recent local body elections and alleged that Congress members were stopped at the Haryana border.

Referring to Punjab, Mr Pilot alleged that drug abuse and law and order had worsened under the AAP government and accused it of using the police against those raising their voices. “The government has completely failed. Law and order has collapsed and drug addiction has increased manifold,” he claimed.

Mr. Pilot, who is the AICC general secretary in charge of Punjab, expressed confidence that the Congress would form the next government in Punjab with a clear majority.

Asked about former Rajasthan minister and party president Vishvendra Singh, Mr. Pilot said the matter would be brought before the party and he would present his stand. The Rajasthan Congress issued a notice to Mr. Singh over alleged indiscipline and anti-party activities hours after he hinted that he might part ways with the party.

Published – 04 Oct 2026 16:05 IST