India, Sept. 26 -- With plea in SC, Congress protests and postponement of CEC's UP programme

Amid the raging controversy surrounding the Election Commission, three developments marked Friday.

A plea was filed in the Supreme Court challenging decisions, guidelines, and software changes allegedly made by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar without the concurrence of the two Election Commissioners, saying such actions violate the statutory requirement of collective decision-making. Congress held nationwide protests demanding his removal. The Election Commission postponed the CEC's outreach programme in UP, leading to speculation. The poll-body, however, said logistical issues were the reason.

Besides challenging the decisions ...