Election Commission row LIVE: EC faces fresh credibility crisis amid new allegations against CEC

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressing the media on CEC Gyanesh Kumar at Congress Headquarters in New Delhi on September 24, 2026 | Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma Opposition parties on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) called for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar following an Indian Express report that said Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally raised objections at least 14 times over the past 10 months. According to the report, the two commissioners alleged that key decisions were being taken in the name of the full Election Commission without their knowledge, with some being described as “unauthorised and illegal”. Also read: Opposition calls for CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s removal after report on Election Commissioners’ dissentThe revelations have triggered a political uproar, with opposition leaders calling for CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, while Sandhu and Joshi have not publicly commented on the report. The Election Commission, however, said “differing views” are part of its decision-making process. The report comes as the poll panel undertakes a controversial nationwide revision of the electoral database.Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday (September 24) alleged that elections in India were being “rigged” and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and CEC Gyanesh Kumar of acting as “deshdrohis” (traitors) by allegedly undermining voters’ rights.Also watch: LoP Rahul Gandhi addresses Delhi press briefing amid ECI dissent row over SIRThe Bharatiya Janata Party hit back at Rahul Gandhi with BJP MP and spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi describing him as a “master of deception” with “zero political knowledge”. At a press conference, Mr. Trivedi said Mr. Gandhi’s allegations lacked credible evidence and rejected his claim that every political leader and party faced anti-incumbency except Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, citing the Congress’ prolonged absence from power in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.Follow the LIVE updates here:September 25, 2026 09:31 Dissent row: Election Commission says highlighting certain internal notes gives only one side of the picture Dissent row: Election Commission says highlighting certain internal notes gives only one side of the pictureElection Commission defends its decisions, stating dissent highlights only one side while affirming compliance with laws and transparency.September 25, 2026 09:30 ECI should give details of decisions taken and whether they had majority backing: former Election Commissioners ECI should give details of decisions taken and whether they had majority backing: former Election CommissionersFormer Election Commissioners urge ECI to disclose decision-making details, emphasizing majority backing and transparency amid ongoing objections.September 25, 2026 09:29 Election Commission row highlights: CEC Gyanesh Kumar must resign immediately; PM Modi, Amit Shah to be investigated, says Rahul Gandhi Election Commission row highlights: CEC Gyanesh Kumar must resign immediately; PM Modi, Amit Shah to be investigated, says Rahul GandhiEC dissent row: Opposition targets Gyanesh Kumar. Catch live updates on September 24 2026 Published - September 25, 2026 09:26 am IST