Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, a move that has sparked political controversy. Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, previously served as an Election Commissioner and has held key roles in the Ministry of Home Affairs, including during the abrogation of Article 370.
His term as CEC will run until January 26, 2029, overseeing crucial elections, including the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.
Controversy Over Appointment
The appointment, announced by the government late Monday, was made following a meeting of the selection panel, which included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. However, Gandhi dissented, questioning the timing of the decision.
Congress leaders have accused the BJP-led government of attempting to bypass Supreme Court scrutiny, as the appointment process is currently being legally challenged.
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal stated that the government should have waited until the Supreme Court’s hearing on February 19. He argued that the amended law, which removed the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, undermines the neutrality of the Election Commission.
“This goes against the spirit of our Constitution,” Venugopal said, adding that such decisions erode public trust in the electoral process.
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Gyanesh Kumar’s Role and Past Experience
Before his appointment as Election Commissioner in March 2024, Kumar had served in several high-profile government roles, including as Joint Secretary in the Home Ministry’s Kashmir Division during the revocation of Article 370.
He also played a role in the formation of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust following the Supreme Court verdict on the Ayodhya case.
As the new CEC, Kumar will be responsible for conducting upcoming elections in Bihar later this year, followed by Assembly elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam in 2026. Additionally, he will oversee the 2027 Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections.
Political Reactions and Legal Challenges
The opposition has strongly criticized the selection process. Congress leaders argue that the government’s move to appoint Kumar before the Supreme Court’s decision on the appointment process reflects a lack of commitment to impartial electoral oversight.
The case challenging the revised selection procedure, which replaced the Chief Justice of India with a cabinet minister, is still pending before the Supreme Court.
The government, on the other hand, maintains that the appointment process followed legal procedures. Sources indicate that the decision was taken to prevent a vacancy in the Election Commission and that legal consultations were undertaken before proceeding.
With the opposition voicing concerns over fairness and transparency, Gyanesh Kumar’s tenure as CEC will be closely watched as he navigates India’s high-stakes elections in the coming years.
