EC row: Anurag Thakur defends CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Former Union minister says Election Commission decisions followed established procedures

Kangra, September 26

Former Union minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur on Saturday defended Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid Opposition criticism of the poll panel, saying the decisions followed established rules and accusing parties of seeking explanations for electoral defeats.

Speaking to reporters after arriving at Kangra airport, Thakur said allegations against Gyanesh Kumar were being raised without, according to him, adequate facts, official statements or clarification from the concerned parties.

He said Opposition parties had questioned electronic voting machines, the Election Commission, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and, now, the Chief Election Commissioner. Thakur added that the poll panel had taken decisions unanimously or by majority.

His remarks come amid continuing political criticism of the Election Commission’s handling of electoral-roll revision and other matters. Reports have also highlighted differences among Election Commissioners on some poll panel decisions.

He also praised Indian athletes competing at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, and congratulated sportspersons from Himachal Pradesh.

He said India had secured 6 medals on Friday, including 1 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze. The official results show India’s Friday haul included gold and silver medals in athletics and shooting, and bronze medals in athletics and table tennis.

Thakur said he hoped Indian athletes would continue their performance in upcoming events, including kabaddi, and specifically congratulated Himachal players competing in different disciplines.

On the alleged manipulation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photograph using artificial intelligence and other technology, Thakur said such misuse could damage individuals’ image.

He said celebrities, politicians and sportspersons had faced similar incidents and urged the government to issue stronger directions to social media platforms to prevent misuse of technology and online platforms.