Andhra Pradesh Congress president Y. S. Sharmila has reiterated her demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that recent developments in the Election Commission of India had raised serious concerns over transparency, accountability and collective decision-making.

Speaking to the media in Tamil Nadu on Sunday, where she had gone to invite political leaders and family friends to her daughter’s wedding, Ms. Sharmila said the right to vote was the most important and personal right of every citizen and the foundation of India’s democracy.

Referring to reports that fellow Election Commissioners had objected to 14 orders allegedly issued without their consent, she questioned how such decisions could be taken without the concurrence of other members of the constitutional body.

“The people of India deserve to know how these decisions were taken, who authorised them and who will be held accountable,” she said.

Ms. Sharmila alleged that independent institutions were increasingly coming under the influence of the Modi government and the BJP, citing concerns previously raised over institutions such as the CBI, Income Tax Department and Enforcement Directorate.

She warned that any attempt to compromise the sanctity of the vote would weaken the foundations of the Constitution and democracy. She said the Congress would continue to fight against any effort to undermine democratic institutions under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi.

“Our vote is our voice. Our democracy is our strength, and we will not allow anyone to take that right away from the people of India,” she said.