Why Gyanesh Kumar's Appointment As Chief Election Commissioner Has Sparked A Row


The appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) has sparked controversy primarily due to the timing and manner of his selection. Here are the key points of contention:

  • : Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticized the government's "midnight decision" to appoint Kumar, arguing it disrespects democratic processes and violates a Supreme Court order that had recommended including the Chief Justice of India in the selection committee12. Gandhi emphasized that this exclusion undermines the integrity of the electoral process and the independence of the Election Commission24.

  • : As a member of the selection committee, Gandhi presented a dissent note during the meeting, urging that the appointment be postponed until after the Supreme Court hears challenges to the new selection law126. Despite his objections, the government proceeded with Kumar's appointment, which is seen as an attempt to exert control over electoral processes34.

  • : The controversy is rooted in the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, which restructured how CECs are appointed. Critics argue this law gives excessive power to the ruling government over appointments, jeopardizing the neutrality of the Election Commission34.

  • : The Congress party and other critics assert that this move could erode public trust in electoral integrity, especially with significant elections approaching46. They have called for adherence to constitutional principles to ensure free and fair elections.

Gyanesh Kumar will officially take over as CEC on February 19, 2025, amidst these ongoing debates regarding electoral independence and governance34.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Recall issued for batches of eggs from 6 Canadian Brands

Image
                                                              watchmore The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a recall for eggs from six Canadian brands due to potential salmonella contamination The affected brands include Golden Valley, Compliments, Foremost, IGA, No Name, and Western Family Key Details of the Recall: Distributed in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and possibly other provinces 3 7 Affects eggs with best before dates of February 16, February 22, and March 1, 2025 7 Triggered by routine test results 7 Risks and Symptoms: Salmonella can cause serious health issues, especially for vulnerable populations. Symptoms include: Fever Headache Vomiting Nausea Abdominal cramps Diarrhea Consumer Advice: Do not consume, serve, or sell the recalled eggs Check lot numbers on the CFIA website Discard or return aff...
Read more

White House fires National Security Agency chief

Image
Watch more The White House has fired General Timothy Haugh, the director of the National Security Agency (NSA), and his deputy, Wendy Noble. Haugh also led U.S. Cyber Command, overseeing both offensive and defensive cyber operations. The reasons for their dismissal are unclear, but it follows a series of high-profile firings by the Trump administration,  including National Security Council staff members. Lt. Gen. William Hartman will serve as the acting NSA director, while Sheila Thomas becomes the acting deputy director .   Top Democrats have criticized the move, citing concerns about national security and the lack of explanation .
Read more

Premium Bonds prize checker: When is February’s draw and how can I check if I’ve won?

Image
                                                                  Watchmore NS&I has announced the February 2025 Premium Bonds draw, with two £1 million jackpot winners from Yorkshire (Kirklees and Sheffield). Here's how to check if you've won: How to Check Prizes : Online: Use NS&I website prize checker Mobile App: Download NS&I app (iOS/Android) Phone: Call 08085 007 007 (if registered for online banking) By Mail: Write to NS&I at Sunderland SR43 2SB Draw Details : Total prizes: 5.9 million Total prize value: £430,052,425 Jackpot winners: Bond 150EN423722 (Kirklees, purchased January 2009) Bond 513EP525664 (Sheffield, purchased September 2022) Winning Odds : 22,000 to 1 for each £1 bond Prize fund rate: 4% Minimum investment: £25 Maximum investment: £50,000 Prizes will be available to check from Tuesday, F...
Read more