Wed Feb 19 05:22:34 UTC 2025: ## Controversial Appointment of New Chief Election Commissioner Sparks Outrage

**NEW DELHI** – Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch IAS officer, has been appointed India’s new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), succeeding Rajiv Kumar. The appointment, announced late Monday night following a meeting of a three-member selection committee, has ignited a major controversy.

The selection committee, comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, saw Mr. Gandhi vehemently opposing the appointment. He issued a dissenting note, arguing that the process was flawed as the constitutionality of the selection committee itself – established under a 2023 law – is currently being challenged in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case on February 19th.

Mr. Gandhi criticized the government for proceeding with the appointment despite the pending legal challenge, calling the midnight decision “disrespectful and discourteous.” He further argued that the current law gives the central government undue influence over the selection process, undermining the independence of the Election Commission.

The Congress leader’s concerns were echoed by Trinamool Congress leader Saket Gokhale, who sarcastically congratulated Amit Shah, suggesting the appointment further politicizes the Election Commission.

Mr. Kumar, formerly a Joint Secretary in the Union Home Ministry and involved in drafting the bill revoking Article 370, is now tasked with overseeing crucial upcoming state assembly elections in Bihar, Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu. His appointment, while legally valid under the current law, is likely to fuel further debate on the independence and impartiality of India’s electoral process.

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