MOHAMMAD ZIYAUDDIN
Share
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has raised strong objections to the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as India’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), calling it a violation of democratic principles. Kumar’s selection marks the first appointment under the new law governing the appointment of Election Commissioners, which has sparked controversy.
The selection panel, comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Rahul Gandhi, finalized Kumar’s appointment on Tuesday. However, Gandhi dissented, arguing that the move undermines the independence of the Election Commission.
Rahul Gandhi’s Dissent Note: Calls for Transparency
During the selection panel meeting, Rahul Gandhi presented a dissent note to PM Modi and Amit Shah, outlining his objections.
Key Points in Rahul Gandhi’s Dissent Note:
Violation of Supreme Court Order:
- The removal of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the selection panel was a direct violation of an earlier Supreme Court order, he claimed.
- This change raises serious concerns about the fairness and neutrality of the Election Commission.
Concerns Over Electoral Integrity:
- Gandhi warned that the move could undermine public trust in the electoral process.
- He stated that "hundreds of millions of voters" would now question the EC’s impartiality.
Disregard for Ongoing Supreme Court Case:
- The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition challenging the selection panel’s composition in less than 48 hours.
- The Congress had urged the government to delay Kumar’s appointment, but the decision was made overnight, disregarding pending judicial review.
- "It is both disrespectful and discourteous for the PM and HM to have made a midnight decision," Gandhi wrote.
Duties as Leader of the Opposition:
- He cited his responsibility to uphold democratic values, emphasizing the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar and India’s founding leaders.
- Holding the government accountable for maintaining a free and fair electoral system is a key part of his role, he stated.
Who is Gyanesh Kumar?
Gyanesh Kumar, a senior bureaucrat, will serve as India’s 26th Chief Election Commissioner and will hold office until January 26, 2029. His tenure will be crucial as he will oversee major elections, including:
- Bihar Assembly Elections (2024)
- Kerala and Puducherry Assembly Elections (2026)
- Tamil Nadu and West Bengal Assembly Elections (2026)
- The 2029 Lok Sabha Elections
His appointment comes at a politically sensitive time, with opposition parties raising concerns over the government’s control over independent institutions.
Rahul Gandhi’s dissent reflects broader concerns about the independence of India's electoral process. With the Supreme Court set to review the legality of the new selection process, the controversy surrounding Gyanesh Kumar’s appointment is far from over. The decision could have significant implications for the future of India’s democracy and electoral fairness.
