Gyanesh Kumar takes charge as CEC amid Congress protest; Supreme Court to hear pleas today

Newly-appointed Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar assumed office on Wednesday as the 26th chief election commissioner (CEC), despite opposition from Congress regarding the selection process. Kumar was appointed by a panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gyanesh. Gyanesh Kumar replaced Rajiv Kumar, who demitted office on Tuesday.

After taking office, newly-appointed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar emphasised that voting is a crucial step for nation-building. He urged all Indian citizens who are 18 or older to become registered electors and participate in elections. Kumar assured that the Election Commission of India, in accordance with the Constitution and electoral laws, will always support voters.

 “First step for nation building is voting. Therefore, every citizen of India who has completed 18 years of age should become an elector and should always vote. In accordance with the Constitution of India, electoral laws, rules and instructions issued therein, the Election Commission of India was, is and will always be with the voters,” CEC Gyanesh Kumar said.

Late on Monday night, the Union government appointed Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner, just hours after a meeting of the Prime Minister-led selection committee. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu is the election commissioner, while Vivek Joshi has been appointed to the post on Monday.’

 During the meeting, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, urged the government to delay the appointment due to an ongoing Supreme Court case on the matter.

The appointment came as the Supreme Court is set to hear, on a “priority basis,” petitions challenging the appointments of the CEC and election commissioners under the 2023 law on February 19. Gandhi also submitted a dissent note to the panel, which includes Home Minister Amit Shah.