Rajya Sabha MP Christopher Tilak on Wednesday said the Congress would step up pressure until the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Tilak alleged that Mr. Kumar had committed serious irregularities in carrying out the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in various States. He had taken unilateral decisions despite dissent notes of two Election Commissioners, raising serious questions on the manner in which the elections were conducted. The Congress had taken to the streets across the country, demanding his removal or resignation and his party would raise its voice for his removal in Parliament and other fora.
Asked if there was coordination between the TVK and its alliance partners in campaigning for the bypolls in Dharapuram and Madurantakam, Mr. Tilak said there was a communication gap in the beginning apparently due to the inexperience of some district secretaries of the TVK. It was discussed at a meeting attended by Health Minister K. G. Arunraj, Revenue Minister K. A. Sengottaiyan and Tourism Minister S. Rajesh Kumar and the issues had been sorted out. There was synergy in the campaign now. The Congress leaders would canvas for the TVK candidates in the last week of campaigning.
On the Mekedatu dam issue, the Congress MP said the issue should not be politicised. The political parties, irrespective of party affiliation, should join together to fight against the move to construct a dam across the Cauvery at Mekedatu.
Published – September 30, 2026 07:52 pm IST
