Daijiworld Media Network - Malappuram

Malappuram, Sep 26: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday accused the BJP leadership of shielding Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and alleged that serious acts against democracy could not take place without the support of the leadership.

Speaking to reporters during her visit to Malappuram, Vadra said the INDIA Bloc parties were united over the allegations concerning the Election Commission of India (ECI).

"The INDIA alliance is very clear. Every single leader of the alliance, every single party is in full agreement that what is going on is absolutely illegal, anti-constitutional, and against our nation and democracy. Those who are doing it have to be taken to task. They have to be held responsible," she said.

Vadra also called for the removal of what she described as legal safeguards provided to Election Commissioners. She said that if anyone was committing illegal acts against the country or the Constitution, they should face legal action.

She accused the BJP of protecting the CEC and alleged that Kumar could not have committed what she described as serious offences against democracy without the support of the leadership.

"If the CEC is committing such a serious crime against democracy, it is practically impossible that he is doing it without the full support of the leadership," she claimed.

Vadra also accused Kumar of "treason" and said he should be tried for it. She reiterated the demand for his resignation, saying the INDIA Bloc was united on the issue.

Her remarks came amid a political controversy following reports of differences within the poll panel, including claims that the two Election Commissioners had raised objections to certain decisions taken without their knowledge.

The Election Commission has maintained that its decisions relating to the nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were unanimous, according to reports.

Vadra also echoed Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi's demand for Kumar's resignation.

The INDIA Bloc parties are likely to meet on September 30 to discuss the ECI dissent issue and other matters.

Vadra further repeated her criticism of the BJP, describing the party as "overconfident". She claimed that the BJP had made confident predictions about its performance before previous elections and alleged that its assessment did not match what she said was being heard from people on the ground.