New Delhi, in a surprising turn of events, Election Commissioner Arun Goel has tendered his resignation just weeks before the anticipated Lok Sabha elections. President Droupadi Murmu has accepted his resignation, leaving only Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar in the three-member Election Commission of India, following the retirement of Election Commissioner Anup Pandey in February.
The gazette notification issued on Saturday states, “In pursuance of clause (1) of Section 11 of The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, the President is pleased to accept the resignation tendered by Shri Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from the 09th March 2024.”
No Reason Given for Resignation
Arun Goel, a retired 1985-batch Indian Administrative Service officer from the Punjab cadre, was appointed as Election Commissioner of India on November 19, 2022. His term was scheduled to end in 2027. The reason behind his resignation is not yet known.
Reacting to the development, Trinamool MP Saket Gokhale expressed concern, stating, “Modi Govt has introduced a new law where Election Commissioners will now be appointed with a majority vote of PM Modi & 1 Minister chosen by him. Ergo, before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Modi will now appoint 2 out of the 3 Election Commissioners after today’s resignation. This is VERY VERY concerning.”
Implications on Upcoming Elections
With Lok Sabha elections and state elections in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, Maharashtra, and Arunachal Pradesh on the horizon, the Election Commission will face significant challenges with the recent resignation. The dates for these elections are yet to be announced.
The resignation of Arun Goel adds an unexpected twist to the electoral landscape, and political circles are closely watching the developments surrounding this key position in the Election Commission. The absence of an Election Commissioner raises questions about the commission’s preparedness for the upcoming elections.
