Election Commissioner Arun Goel’s Surprising Resignation Raises Questions Ahead of 2024 Polls

Election Commissioner Arun Goel‘s resignation just weeks before the anticipated announcement of the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has sparked speculation and concern about the state of the Election Commission of India. His departure, citing “personal reasons,” has raised eyebrows, particularly given the timing and the implications for the upcoming polls. Here’s a closer look at the situation and its potential ramifications.

A Career Bureaucrat: Arun Goel, a retired bureaucrat and a 1985-batch IAS officer of the Punjab cadre, joined the Election Commission in November 2022. His sudden resignation has left a void in the commission, which was already operating with one vacant position, leaving only Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar remaining on the panel.

Reasons for Resignation: While Goel attributed his resignation to “personal reasons,” speculation regarding underlying tensions within the commission surfaced. Despite government efforts to dissuade him from stepping down and assertions about his good health, it’s been suggested that differences on file between Goel and Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar may have played a role.

Implications for the Election Commission: With Goel’s departure, questions arise about the commission’s ability to function effectively, especially with the Lok Sabha election dates expected to be announced soon. The timing of his resignation has cast doubt on the previously anticipated timeline, leading to concerns about the commission’s preparedness for overseeing the upcoming polls.

Appointment Process for New Commissioners: The appointment process for a new Chief Election Commissioner involves a rigorous selection procedure. A search committee, led by the law minister and including two union secretaries, shortlists five names. Subsequently, a selection committee headed by the Prime Minister, along with other key figures, selects the final candidate. The President then formally appoints the chosen candidate. However, recent changes in the appointment process, excluding the Chief Justice of India, have raised eyebrows and added complexity to the selection process.

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Political Reactions: Political figures, particularly from opposition parties, have raised concerns about the implications of Goel’s resignation. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the timing and implications, suggesting that the situation may warrant renaming the Election Commission to “Election OMISSION.” He expressed worries about the systematic erosion of independent institutions and its potential impact on democracy.

Congress general secretary organisation KC Venugopal echoed these concerns, highlighting the importance of maintaining the independence of constitutional bodies and expressing worries about government influence. He drew parallels with previous instances, such as Ashok Lavasa’s resignation during the 2019 elections, citing dissent on various decisions.

Trinamool Congress leader Saket Gokhale also expressed concerns about the vacancies within the commission, noting that two appointments are now required ahead of the general elections. This sudden development has raised questions about the commission’s ability to fulfill its duties effectively and impartially during a critical electoral period.

In conclusion, Arun Goel’s resignation from the Election Commission just weeks before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has stirred speculation and concern about the commission’s functioning and its impact on the electoral process. The timing and reasons behind his departure have raised questions about the state of democracy and the independence of constitutional bodies in India.