Gyanesh Kumar is new Chief Election Commissioner
What's the story
Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as India's 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). He will replace Rajiv Kumar, whose tenure ends on February 18. The appointment was made by a selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and included Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.
Tenure
Kumar's tenure and upcoming responsibilities as CEC
Kumar's tenure as CEC will continue till January 26, 2029. He will supervise upcoming elections in Bihar later this year and Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu next year. Throughout his career, Kumar was instrumental in major government decisions, including managing tasks related to Article 370 and working on the Ram Temple case while in the Home Ministry. Alongside him, Haryana Chief Secretary Vivek Joshi, a 1989-batch IAS officer, was also appointed Election Commissioner.
Profile
Kumar's educational background and career contributions
Kumar is a former IAS officer of the Kerala cadre from the 1988 batch. He has a B.Tech degree in Civil Engineering from IIT Kanpur and has studied Business Finance and Environmental Economics from ICFAI and Harvard University respectively. He has made significant contributions in his career across various ministries, including Parliamentary Affairs and Defence under different governments.
Twitter Post
Check out the official orders here
Dr. Vivek Joshi, IAS of the 1989 batch, is appointed as Election Commissioner, with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office. pic.twitter.com/PcHYdgj1iU
— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2025
Controversy
Congress raises objections to Kumar's appointment
Prior to the confirmation, the Congress party had objected to Kumar's appointment, saying the meeting should have been deferred till after a Supreme Court hearing on the CEC's appointment on February 19. The hearing will take up a petition challenging the selection panel's constitution under a new law, which omits the Chief Justice. "By trying to keep the CJI out of the panel, it only wanted control over Election Commission but not credibility," said Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi.