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| Surprise Resignation Rocks Election Commission: A Key Moment in Indian Politics [Source: DNAIndiaNews] |
In an unexpected twist of events, Arun Goel, a seasoned bureaucrat and Election Commissioner, tendered his resignation on March 9, 2024, just days before the anticipated announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule. The abrupt departure of Goel has sparked concerns regarding the operational dynamics within the Election Commission of India (ECI), as well as the underlying motivations behind his decision.
A Career Cut Short:
Arun Goel, a retired 1985-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer hailing from the Punjab cadre, had assumed office in November 2022 with a tenure set to extend until December 5, 2027. His resignation, however, brings his tenure to an abrupt end, foregoing the opportunity to ascend to the esteemed position of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) following the retirement of incumbent Rajiv Kumar in February of the following year.
Presidential Acceptance:
President Droupadi Murmu swiftly accepted Goel’s resignation, effectively relieving him of his duties as Election Commissioner, as per an official notification issued by the Law Ministry. Despite citing "personal reasons" for his departure, speculation surrounding the circumstances leading to Goel's resignation has been rife.
Behind the Resignation:
While Goel officially attributed his resignation to personal reasons, sources close to the matter suggest a divergence of opinions between Goel and Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar during their recent visit to West Bengal for overseeing election preparations. Reports indicate Goel's refusal to participate in a joint press conference in Kolkata with Kumar on March 5, highlighting underlying tensions between the two officials.
Ripple Effect on the Commission:
The sudden exit of Goel, coupled with the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey in February, has left the Election Commission significantly understaffed, with only Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar remaining. This unexpected development has cast uncertainty over the anticipated timeline for announcing the Lok Sabha election dates, which were poised for revelation in the forthcoming week.
Navigating the Appointment Process:
Under the revised legislation governing the appointment of Chief Election Commissioners and Election Commissioners, a search committee, chaired by the Law Minister and comprising two Union Secretaries, will identify five potential candidates for the vacant position.
The subsequent selection process involves a committee chaired by the Prime Minister, with representation from a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM, along with the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha or the leader of the single-largest opposition party. Following deliberations, the selected candidate receives formal appointment by the President.
A Profile of Arun Goel:
Born on December 7, 1962, in Patiala, Arun Goel boasts an illustrious career spanning over three decades within the Indian bureaucracy. A graduate in Development Economics from Churchill College, University of Cambridge, England, Goel has undergone training at the prestigious John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, USA. His tenure culminated as Secretary in the Ministry of Heavy Industry, Government of India, reflecting his extensive expertise and contributions to public service.
The unexpected resignation of Arun Goel underscores the inherent complexities within the electoral machinery of India, signaling a pivotal moment in the nation's political landscape.