Gyanesh Kumar
India's Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar Takes Chair of International IDEA Council for 2026
Dec 04, 2025 03:18 am CST
India's Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has assumed the chairship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance Council for 2026 in Stockholm, pledging to advance democracy worldwide under the theme "Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world." With India's vast electoral experience of managing 900 million voters, Kumar aims to ensure every vote counts globally.
Election Commission Rejects TMC's 'Blood On Hands' Claim Amid West Bengal Voter Verification Controversy
Nov 29, 2025 12:34 am CST
The Election Commission of India has firmly rejected allegations from the Trinamool Congress regarding the deaths of 40 Booth Level Officers during West Bengal's voter verification process, terming them "politically motivated." Following a meeting with TMC representatives, the EC ordered immediate security for electoral staff and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining accurate voter rolls through its constitutional mandate, with the draft electoral roll scheduled for December 9 release and final publication on February 7.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Challenges Election Commission's Staffing Decisions and Polling Booth Locations
Nov 24, 2025 11:17 pm CST
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has formally challenged the Election Commission over concerns of potential bias in electoral preparations. In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, she questioned decisions to outsource data entry operations and establish polling booths in private residential complexes, suggesting these moves may compromise electoral fairness and potentially benefit specific political interests.
Mamata Banerjee Demands Halt to Electoral Roll Revision Citing "Inhuman" Pressure on Officers
Nov 20, 2025 08:31 pm CST
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to the Chief Election Commissioner demanding suspension of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, citing excessive work pressure on Booth Level Officers. The appeal follows a BLO's death allegedly due to work-related stress, while the Election Commission maintains that proper training has been provided.
Congress Faces Organizational Failure in Bihar Elections as NDA Secures Landslide Victory
Nov 14, 2025 08:55 pm CST
The Congress party secured only one seat in the Bihar assembly elections, with party leaders attributing the poor performance to organizational weakness. As the NDA celebrates a landslide victory powered by caste calculations and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's popularity, Congress members offered critical self-assessment while some blamed the Election Commission for alleged irregularities during the record 67.13% voter turnout, the highest since 1951.
Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: Record 66.9% Voter Turnout Marks Historic Democratic Milestone
Nov 12, 2025 02:34 am CST
The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections achieved a historic 66.9% voter turnout—the highest since 1951—with over 7.5 crore voters participating in the Special Intensive Revision process. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar praised the transparent elections, highlighting women's unprecedented 71% turnout as exit polls predict an NDA victory.
Mamata Banerjee Challenges Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal: 'Votebandi' Controversy Explained
Nov 11, 2025 03:32 am CST
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly opposed the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, calling it "votebandi" and comparing it to demonetization. She demands immediate suspension of the process, accusing the central government of creating a "super emergency" situation and interfering with state governance. Opposition leaders, including BJP's Suvendu Adhikari, maintain the revision will continue as scheduled despite her protests.
Election Commission Enforces Zero Tolerance Policy After Murder Case Rocks Bihar Elections
Nov 02, 2025 04:11 pm CST
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar reaffirms the Election Commission's zero tolerance stance on violence following a political murder in Bihar's Mokama constituency that led to JDU candidate Anant Singh's arrest. Kumar reassured voters of comprehensive security measures for the upcoming two-phase elections, emphasizing the Commission's commitment to neutrality and transparency while encouraging maximum voter participation in what he expects to be exemplary elections by global standards.
Trinamool Congress MP Calls for Resistance Against BJP's Voter List Revision in Bengal
Oct 29, 2025 09:34 pm CST
Bengal's Trinamool Congress is intensifying opposition to the BJP over Special Intensive Revision of voter lists before upcoming assembly elections. MP Abhishek Banerjee has urged supporters to resist demands for birth certificates, while the Election Commission clarifies documentation requirements. Tensions escalate following an alleged suicide linked to fears over the revision process, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing the BJP of weaponizing the National Registry of Citizens.
Prashant Kishor Challenges BJP: "No SIR or FIR Will Save You When People Turn Against You"
Oct 28, 2025 09:10 am CST
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor delivered a pointed critique of the BJP government's electoral strategy, stating that initiatives like Special Intensive Revision (SIR) won't protect parties that have lost public support. His comments came as the Election Commission announced the second phase of SIR across 12 states, with the final voter list scheduled for publication in February 2026.