In a startling turn of events, Election Commissioner Arun Goel has tendered his resignation just weeks before the eagerly awaited Lok Sabha polls, leaving the Election Commission of India with two vacant seats. This unexpected development comes amidst heightened anticipation surrounding the announcement of the Lok Sabha election dates, now shrouded in uncertainty due to Mr. Goel’s resignation.
Sources close to the matter revealed that Mr. Goel cited personal reasons for his resignation, despite efforts by the government to dissuade him from stepping down. While speculation swirled regarding health concerns, officials affirmed that Mr. Goel is in robust health. Nonetheless, his decision to resign has set in motion the process for appointing new election commissioners.
A seasoned bureaucrat, Mr. Goel, a 1985-batch IAS officer, had assumed the role of Election Commissioner after taking voluntary retirement on November 18, 2022. His appointment had sparked controversy, prompting scrutiny from the Supreme Court over the expediency of the selection process. However, a subsequent petition challenging his appointment was dismissed by a two-judge bench.
With Mr. Goel’s departure, concerns deepen over the composition of the Election Commission, which now comprises only Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. The recent retirement of Election Commissioner Anup Pandey further exacerbates the situation, underscoring the urgency of appointing new commissioners.
The process of appointing Election Commissioners has itself been a subject of debate, culminating in a landmark Supreme Court ruling last year. The court directed that a panel consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India would oversee the appointment process until legislation was enacted by Parliament. However, a subsequent bill passed by Parliament replaced the Chief Justice of India with a Union Cabinet minister in the panel, drawing criticism for potentially compromising the commission’s autonomy.
Amidst these developments, the looming Lok Sabha polls face uncertainty, with the Election Commission grappling with vacancies in its core body. The resignation of Arun Goel underscores the need for swift action to restore the Commission to full strength and ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming elections. As the nation awaits further developments, the focus now shifts to the government’s response and the subsequent appointment of new Election Commissioners to fill the void left by Mr. Goel’s departure.