The Punjab Assembly on Friday (October 23, 2026) unanimously passed an official resolution seeking an independent inquiry into alleged electoral irregularities and the functioning of the Election Commission under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Public confidence in democratic institutions can be maintained only by ensuring that no eligible voter is excluded and every citizen’s voting right remains protected,” Mr. Mr. “Whenever any opposition party raises questions over the functioning of EVMs, the BJP comes out in support of the system. Now they are supporting CEC Gyanesh Kumar. It means they know that Gyanesh Kumar helped them win (elections). This is dangerous for democracy,” Mr. The issue assumes significance as Punjab heads towards its next Assembly election, placing electoral roll integrity and the process of voter inclusion under renewed political scrutiny.
“This House demands establishment of an independent, impartial and credible investigative mechanism to inquire into alleged irregularities concerning the electoral process and voter lists under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, so that the truth can come to light and accountability can be fixed,” the resolution said. If concrete evidence of criminal violations emerges against any person during the investigation, criminal proceedings should be initiated against them as per the law, the resolution further said. Chhema said. Mann alleged that the country has reached a point where the BJP government, which was once chosen by the people, is now deciding who could vote, warning that “dictatorship” had taken control of all four pillars of democracy. Mann said.
Earlier reporting noted: The resolution urged the Union Government and relevant constitutional authorities to ensure that no eligible citizen is deprived of the right to vote. Earlier reporting noted: Moved by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, the resolution urged the Union Government and relevant constitutional authorities to ensure that no eligible citizen is deprived of the right to vote.
Taking part in the discussion on the resolution on Day 2 of the Assembly session, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann blamed the BJP for alleged vote ‘loot’, terming it dangerous for democracy, and demanded the scrapping of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. “This House firmly reiterates that every eligible citizen’s vote is precious in a democracy.
Illegally depriving any citizen of the right to vote goes against the fundamental values of constitutional democracy,” the resolution said.
Earlier, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema tabled the resolution in the House, even though the legislators of the Congress, Akali Dal and the BJP were not present.
