Gyanesh Kumar has officially assumed charge as the Chief Election Commissioner. His appointment was made despite opposition leader Rahul Gandhi’s dissent. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is set to hear petitions today regarding the appointment process of election commissioners. The court will also consider public interest petitions opposing the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel.
Rahul Gandhi had expressed strong objections to the appointment, calling it a “midnight decision” and a violation of the Supreme Court’s ruling by removing the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee. He criticized the Modi government, stating that it is undermining the credibility of the electoral process. In a post on X, he emphasized that as the Leader of the Opposition, it is his duty to uphold the ideals of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Currently serving as an Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar is the most senior official in the three-member panel. His name was under primary consideration even before discussions on the appointment of the new Chief Election Commissioner gained momentum.
