New Delhi — A day after the Chief Election Commissioner asked critics alleging vote theft to present evidence within a week or issue an apology, opposition leaders met on Monday to deliberate on the possibility of seeking his removal.
The meeting, held in the chamber of the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, focused on the issue but did not touch upon the upcoming vice-presidential election. According to the Constitution, the Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only on grounds of “proved misbehaviour or incapacity.” The process requires a resolution passed by both Houses of Parliament with a special majority — two-thirds of members present and voting, supported by more than half of the total strength of each House.
Notably, the Constitution does not use the term “impeachment” in reference to the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner. Opposition leaders acknowledged that the proposal is still at an early stage and admitted to the challenge of not having the required numbers in Parliament to carry it forward.
