In a recent development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a three-member selection committee have chosen bureaucrats Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as new election commissioners. This decision comes after the resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. However, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury expressed concerns over the absence of the Chief Justice of India on the selection committee, stating that the recent law has reduced the panel's role to a mere formality. This decision has sparked criticism from opposition leaders, who point to the government's majority on the panel.
Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu Appointed as New Election Commissioners
Background:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an independent constitutional body responsible for conducting free and fair elections in the country. The Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. Recently, there was a vacancy in the Election Commission following the resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel.
Selection Process:
To fill the vacancy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a three-member selection committee have chosen bureaucrats Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as the new Election Commissioners. The selection committee comprises the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Criticism:
The appointment of Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu has sparked criticism from opposition leaders. The Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury expressed concerns over the absence of the Chief Justice of India on the selection committee. He stated that the recent law has reduced the panel's role to a mere formality. Additionally, the opposition raised concerns about the government's majority on the panel.
About Gyanesh Kumar:
Gyanesh Kumar is a retired IAS officer from the Bihar cadre. He has held various key positions in the government, including Chief Secretary of Bihar. Kumar is known for his expertise in electoral matters and has served as the Election Commissioner of Bihar.
About Sukhbir Singh Sandhu:
Sukhbir Singh Sandhu is a retired IPS officer from the Punjab cadre. He has held various senior positions in the police force, including Director General of Police, Punjab. Sandhu is known for his anti-corruption efforts and his expertise in security matters.
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