India's Parliament, the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India, is a bicameral structure comprising two houses: the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. The President of India acts as the head of the legislature, with powers to summon and prorogue either house or dissolve the Lok Sabha.
The Lok Sabha, or lower house, has 543 members who are directly elected by citizens over the age of 18. Each member represents a parliamentary constituency across the country. The Lok Sabha has a term of five years and its primary responsibilities include passing laws and ensuring that the executive government performs its duties satisfactorily.
The Rajya Sabha, or upper house, is a permanent body not subject to dissolution. It can have a maximum of 250 members, with one-third retiring every second year. Its members are indirectly elected by members of state legislative bodies. Twelve members are nominated by the president for their expertise in fields like literature, art, science, and social service.
The Parliament of India was established on January 26, 1950, following the enforcement of the Constitution of India. The first general elections were held in 1951-52, leading to the formation of the first elected Parliament in April 1952.
A new Parliament building, located adjacent to the original British-era structure, was inaugurated on May 28, 2023.
Efforts to unite the opposition gained momentum as political parties coordinated action regarding the demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's removal. Ahead of an opposition meeting scheduled for 30 September at the Constitution Club, CPM General Secretary MA Baby is slated to meet former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Deliberations have brought together political rivals, including the Communist Party of India and the Trinamool Congress, alongside outreach to other parties. The discussions follow reports of internal objections by election commissioners over decisions taken by the Chief Election Commissioner. Opposition members plan to hold coordinated protests against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission, while also preparing to move an impeachment motion in Parliament.
Opposition parties are uniting to seek the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee reaching out to long-time political rival CPI(M) and holding discussions with Rahul Gandhi to convene an all-opposition meeting in Delhi. CPI(M) General Secretary MA Baby wrote to INDIA bloc constituents on 23 September, drawing a swift response from Banerjee, whose party MPs are reportedly in touch with left leaders at the Centre. TMC asserts that rivalries must be set aside to save democracy. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party mounted an attack, stating that neither the Trinamool Congress nor the CPI(M) holds significant presence in West Bengal following recent assembly elections. Calling the unity a survival tactic and optics, the BJP stated that the opposition must take their proof to court rather than protesting on the streets. Congress members have staged nationwide street protests, including demonstrations in Kolkata, as opposition parties amplify their agitation against the CEC.
A full-blown political war has erupted over internal cracks within the Election Commission regarding the SIR exercise. The opposition, led by Congress, has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging electoral manipulation, while workers staged demonstrations and clashed with police in several state capitals. The INDIA bloc is reportedly preparing an impeachment motion in Parliament, while a petition filed in the Supreme Court seeks to declare all SIR decisions illegal and prosecute key poll officials. In response, the BJP defended the CEC, commending the removal of alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators from voter rolls. Meanwhile, the Election Commission issued a clarification maintaining that its platform is decentralised, secure, and accessible only to authorised personnel.
Congress party workers staged nationwide demonstrations outside State Election Commission offices, seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision and voter list modifications, facing police action and water cannons in multiple locations. The opposition prepared another notice for an impeachment motion against the CEC, while a plea was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the electoral roll revisions and seeking the reinstatement of the original Form 6. The Election Commission maintained that its ECI NET platform operates with decentralized access and cybersecurity protocols. The broadcast additionally covers women's safety concerns following harassment incidents in Bihar's Jamui, Samastipur, and Banka, alongside student protests in Delhi following assault cases near Kalkaji Mandir and Hindu College. It also examines the investigation into the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Vakode, where family members began a hunger strike at Azad Maidan alleging institutional discrimination, alongside healthcare guidance on blood pressure monitoring.
Political tensions have escalated over demands for the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner, prompting protests from the streets to Parliament. The Congress party launched street agitations across states following a press conference by Rahul Gandhi, while the INDIA bloc is considering collective action, including a potential impeachment motion and legal challenges. However, an impeachment motion requires a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in both Houses of Parliament, representing a steep numerical hurdle for the opposition. Previous removal attempts encountered significant procedural obstacles and pending motions. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has responded with multiple press conferences, defending the integrity of democratic processes and noting that the Election Commission clarified all proper protocols were strictly observed. As the government remains watchful of emerging political developments, the opposition is assessing whether to escalate protests or pursue formal parliamentary and legal routes.
A major political confrontation erupted across multiple states over the Election Commission of India's decisions regarding Special Intensive Revisions and voter rolls. Congress workers staged nationwide protests, burning effigies of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and demanding his resignation alongside leaders across the opposition spectrum. Defending its processes, the poll panel clarified that its ECI NET platform operates with decentralized, secure access limited to authorized officials. However, the opposition has taken the battle to the judiciary and Parliament. A court petition seeks the invalidation of the SIR decisions, restoration of the original Form Six, and prosecution of the CEC, Deputy Election Commissioner, and IT head. Concurrently, opposition parties are preparing a third impeachment notice against the CEC after previous motions were dismissed or held up by parliamentary hurdles. Discussions also touched upon historical dissents within the commission and the political implications currently playing out between the ruling party and the opposition.
Congress leaders and workers staged protests across Delhi and nationwide demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police set up barricades as protesters attempted to march towards the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters. Party spokespersons raised allegations regarding irregularities in the voter list, changes to Form 6 without parliamentary approval, and internal dissent within the Election Commission where two commissioners reportedly raised multiple objections. The opposition demanded an impeachment motion in Parliament and claimed that democratic electoral procedures were undermined at the behest of the central government.
Massive protests led by the Indian Youth Congress and Congress state units broke out across multiple cities, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Patna, and Hyderabad, demanding the resignation and removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In Chandigarh, police used water cannons against protesters, while youth workers marched towards the Election Commission office in Delhi before being stopped by barricades and paramilitary personnel. The demonstrations follow allegations raised by Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders concerning the functioning of the Election Commission of India and alleged centralization and manipulation of electoral rolls. While the opposition prepares strategy for street demonstrations and explores parliamentary steps including a potential impeachment motion, the Bharatiya Janata Party defended the poll body and dismissed allegations, asserting that electoral rolls are decentralized and accusing the opposition of making excuses for electoral setbacks.
Youth Congress workers staged protests across several cities, including Delhi, Chandigarh, and Patna, seeking the resignation and removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In Chandigarh, police deployed water cannons to disperse demonstrators, while protesters in Delhi marched towards barricaded routes near the Indian Youth Congress headquarters. The agitation follows allegations raised regarding the functioning and purported centralization of electoral rolls within the Election Commission of India. Opposition parties are reportedly considering an impeachment motion and planning joint strategies to raise the issue in Parliament and on the streets. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party defended the poll body and the Chief Election Commissioner, denying claims of centralized electoral roll manipulation and dismissing the opposition's allegations.
A reported internal rift within the Election Commission of India has triggered a political clash between the opposition and the government. Led by Rahul Gandhi, the Congress party and the INDIA bloc have launched nationwide protests demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition is preparing to move an impeachment motion against the CEC in both houses of Parliament, citing reported internal dissent by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi over orders concerning the SIR exercise. Protest plans include marches to state election offices, gherao of the CEC's office in Delhi, and effigy burning by the RJD in Bihar. In response, the BJP dismissed the allegations, claiming the opposition is unsettled by anti-incumbency and the electoral revision process. NDA ally Chirag Paswan noted that the poll panel should address public concerns to preserve trust, while the Election Commission confirmed that its operational digital network remains secure with restricted access for authorised field officials.
A major political row has erupted following allegations of vote theft against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah. Opposition parties, led by the Congress, are staging nationwide demonstrations outside state election offices, while the RJD announced plans to burn effigies of the Chief Election Commissioner across Bihar. Sources indicate the opposition bloc plans to pursue impeachment proceedings against the Chief Election Commissioner in Parliament. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party rejected the accusations, asserting that the opposition is unnerved by anti-incumbency and administrative electoral revision exercises. The Election Commission clarified that its internal digital platform is decentralized with restricted access for designated election officials and protected by cybersecurity measures. In Goa, Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Koyal faced scrutiny over the reported omission of ninety-seven verified voters from the electoral rolls. The broadcast outlined the constitutional procedure required for the removal of a Chief Election Commissioner.
A major political row has erupted over a reported rift within the Election Commission of India. The Bharatiya Janata Party attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks, sharing an older video of Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala acknowledging the benefits of the Special Summary Revision exercise in Kerala. The BJP accused the Congress of raising selective allegations only in states where it loses elections. Meanwhile, opposition parties intensified protests, with the Congress planning nationwide demonstrations and marches to election offices, while the INDIA bloc reportedly considers an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Rahul Gandhi accused the government of vote theft, targeting top leadership. Amid the escalating controversy and concerns over voter data integrity, the Election Commission issued a clarification regarding its ECI Net platform, maintaining that it is a decentralised system accessible only to authorised officials like booth-level officers and district election officers through unique login credentials, backed by cybersecurity safeguards.
A political leader addressed a press briefing raising questions over recurring electoral victories, the phenomenon of anti-incumbency, and the foundational integrity of the voting process in India. Highlighting historical precedents of political shifts witnessed by past prime ministers and various regional governments across states like Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, the speaker pointed out the unusual absence of anti-incumbency for the ruling dispensation across multiple state and national elections. The address focused on the critical role of voting as the cornerstone of the Constitution, state institutions, and parliamentary legislation. The speaker further claimed that undermining the sanctity of votes compromises the legitimacy of statutory laws, the judiciary, bureaucracy, and public institutions, asserting that electoral manipulation has systematically disrupted established constitutional checks and balances.
In an interview with India Today, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P. Chidambaram demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar following investigative reports alleging internal dissent within the Election Commission of India. Emphasising accountability in constitutional bodies, Chidambaram asserted, "He should step down, and then an inquiry can be ordered." He argued that the Commission is a multi-member body where the majority view must prevail, warning that overriding fellow commissioners is unconstitutional and ultra vires. Chidambaram highlighted widespread discrepancies and large-scale deletions under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, asserting, "the SIR process must be immediately suspended, and after an inquiry, it must be reversed." Calling for complete transparency, he urged the government to release internal files and deliberations to the public and proposed that a parliamentary committee review recent decisions of the poll body. He maintained that fair and free general elections require an impartial Election Commission.
The INDIA bloc is set to move an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Parliament amid reported internal rifts and objections by two Election Commissioners regarding the SIR exercise.
An unidentified speaker addressed the media regarding concerns over the integrity of the Indian electoral system and the process governing appointments to the Election Commission of India. The address outlined a timeline beginning from December 2023, citing presentations and demonstrations regarding alleged voting discrepancies in Maharashtra, Madhepura, Aland, and Haryana. The speaker demanded the immediate resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, calling on him to turn approver regarding operations within the poll body. The speaker asserted that elections in India have faced institutional challenges and stated that a dissent note had previously been submitted to the Prime Minister concerning executive involvement in choosing election commissioners. The address also called for an investigation into the roles of top government officials regarding appointments and the protection of democratic institutions, asserting that constitutional mechanisms and the voting framework must be safeguarded.
Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra has filed a police complaint at the Parliament Police Station in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Ganesh Kumar. Speaking on the matter, Moitra alleged that decisions conveyed by the Election Commission were falsified by one individual without majority consent, arguing that statutory immunity under Section 16 of the CEC and EC Act 2023 does not apply. The Election Commission dismissed the allegations, asserting that unanimous decisions were taken. Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, and Akhilesh Yadav, have demanded the CEC's arrest, alleging irregularities in electoral rolls and calling for past elections to be declared null and void alongside holding fresh polls.
The opposition INDIA bloc is preparing to move an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. A draft is currently being circulated among Members of Parliament to collect the requisite signatures, requiring support from 100 Lok Sabha MPs and 50 Rajya Sabha MPs. Sources indicate that Parliament does not need to be in session to submit the notice, which is likely to be filed next week. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address a press conference at Indira Bhawan alongside senior party leaders to present findings concerning elections conducted in Maharashtra and Haryana.
Speaking exclusively to India Today, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid reports of dissent within the Election Commission. Shivakumar stated, "They are misusing the powers of the Election Commission, and I think, uh, no point of time the Election Commission can stay in his office. He should better voluntarily quit before, uh, very serious, uh, issues raises in this country." He expressed support for opposition leader Rahul Gandhi's stance against alleged election irregularities and vote manipulation. Additionally, Shivakumar confirmed that he will lead an all-party delegation to Delhi to meet the Prime Minister regarding state funds, following a letter sent to the central government requesting financial support.
