The high-level committee headed by PM Narendra Modi has appointed retired IAS officers Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as Election Commissioners. However, there has been opposition from Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who has expressed concerns about the selection process and lack of access to the shortlisted names. This decision comes after recent speculation about the health of Ajith Kumar, who was reported to have undergone a medical procedure for a swollen nerve.
Background: India's Election Commission and Recent Controversy
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for administering and regulating elections in India. It was established in 1950 under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution and is headed by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
In recent years, the ECI has faced criticism for its handling of certain electoral processes, including the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the alleged suppression of opposition voices.
Current Controversy: Appointment of Election Commissioners
On January 25, 2023, the high-level committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed retired IAS officers Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as Election Commissioners. This decision was met with opposition from Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the leader of the Congress party in the Lok Sabha.
Chowdhury expressed concerns about the selection process, arguing that it was not transparent and that the shortlisted names were not made publicly available. He also questioned the qualifications of the appointees, particularly their experience in electoral matters.
The controversy has raised doubts about the independence and impartiality of the ECI. Critics argue that the government's appointment of former bureaucrats to key positions in the commission undermines its credibility.
Speculation on Ajith Kumar's Health
Prior to the appointment of Kumar and Sandhu, there was speculation about the health of Ajith Kumar, who was the Election Commissioner in charge of election strategy and information and technology. Reports emerged that he had undergone a medical procedure for a swollen nerve.
The speculation about Kumar's health added to the uncertainty surrounding the ECI and raised questions about the commission's ability to conduct free and fair elections in the future.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q1: Who is the Chief Election Commissioner of India? A: The current CEC is Rajiv Kumar.
Q2: What is the role of the Election Commission? A: The ECI is responsible for conducting and regulating elections in India, including the appointment of polling officers, the preparation of electoral rolls, and the resolution of election disputes.
Q3: What controversy surrounds the recent appointment of Election Commissioners? A: The appointment of Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu has drawn criticism for alleged lack of transparency in the selection process and concerns about the appointees' qualifications.
Q4: Who raised concerns about the EC appointment process? A: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the leader of the Congress party in the Lok Sabha, has expressed objections to the selection process.
Q5: What is the status of Ajith Kumar's health? A: There is no official update on the health condition of Ajith Kumar, who was previously in charge of election strategy and information and technology at the ECI.
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