Thiruvananthapuram: The assembly is set to adopt a resolution urging the Centre and Election Commission of India (ECI) to restore the voting rights of eligible voters excluded from electoral rolls during the special intensive revision (SIR) and initiate steps to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations concerning the commission’s functioning. The resolution will be moved by chief minister V D Satheesan under Rule 118 when the second session of the 16th legislative assembly begins on Monday. With the LDF deciding to support it, its passage is certain.The resolution expresses serious concern over allegations that lakhs of eligible citizens have been removed from electoral rolls without clear criteria or prior notice during the SIR process. It states that marginalised communities, minorities, migrant workers and young voters have been particularly affected by errors and alleged irregularities in the revision exercise.The resolution alleges that Election Commission’s reliance on software systems has undermined the statutory powers of electoral registration officers responsible for preparing electoral rolls. It also refers to media reports that amendments were made to Form 6 in violation of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and that some members of the commission had reportedly expressed disagreement with the decisions.It calls for immediate corrective measures to address the alleged irregularities and restore the voting rights of all eligible citizens whose names were wrongly deleted.The resolution further argues that EC, as a constitutional body, must function independently and impartially, without yielding to govt influence. It states that the commission’s recent actions have raised questions about its transparency and credibility, adding that irregularities in electoral rolls could undermine the people’s mandate.The House will also urge the Centre to restructure the selection committee responsible for appointing the CEC and other election commissioners. The resolution proposes that the committee comprise Prime Minister, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and Chief Justice of India, arguing that such a composition would help ensure the appointment of independent commissioners.
