AAP AND DMK JOIN OPPOSITION PUSH FOR CEC GYANESH KUMAR’S REMOVAL

September 29, 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) have agreed to support an opposition initiative seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, despite both parties having distanced themselves from the Congress-led INDIA bloc.

The proposed move comes amid continuing political controversy over the Election Commission’s functioning and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties have raised concerns over voter-list revisions and reported differences among members of the Election Commission.

AAP and DMK have continued to coordinate with opposition parties on specific issues concerning the Election Commission, even though their broader relationship with the INDIA bloc has weakened. AAP left the alliance in 2025, while the DMK has subsequently said it is no longer part of the Congress-led grouping.

The proposed removal notice would be another parliamentary effort against Kumar. Earlier notices submitted in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were rejected, while a subsequent Rajya Sabha notice remains pending. Opposition parties are now preparing fresh notices in both Houses.

The Election Commission has rejected suggestions that reported differences among its members indicate a breakdown in its functioning. It has maintained that differing views are part of institutional deliberations and that decisions relating to the SIR were taken with the approval of all three Election Commissioners.

The latest development comes ahead of an opposition meeting scheduled in New Delhi on September 30, where parties are expected to discuss the Election Commission, the SIR process and further parliamentary action concerning the Chief Election Commissioner.