Gyanesh Kumar: New Chief Election Commissioner

Introduction to the Appointment

In yet another major development, Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner of India after the retirement of Rajiv Kumar on February 18, 2025. The appointment was done after a meeting of the selection panel, which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and included Home Minister Amit Shah and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. Interestingly, Rahul Gandhi protested during the meeting, seeking the postponement of the appointment until the Supreme Court hearing on February 19 on the case regarding the composition of the selection panel. However, the committee went ahead with the appointment.

Profile of Gyanesh Kumar

Gyanesh Kumar was born in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, on January 27, 1964. This Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer belongs to the Kerala cadre of the 1988 batch. Gyanesh has a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Kanpur, a post-graduate in Business Finance from ICFAI, India, and has completed a course on Environmental Economics from Harvard University. Kumar has held many important positions through a long and distinguished career:

• Cooperation Secretary of India - Initiated key reforms including the enactment of the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023, and the formation of national cooperative societies like the Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited.

• Secretary of Parliamentary Affairs - Legislation and coordination matters between the government and the Parliament.

• Additional Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs - Inputs on national security and administrative matters.

Kumar has served as the election commissioner since March 14, 2024, and has been the main person driving election reforms and conducting free and fair elections.

Appointment Procedure and Political Circumstances

The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023, provides for the appointment of the CEC. The CEC is under Section 7 of the Act appointed by the President on the recommendation of a selection panel which consists of the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. In the present case, the selection panel comprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Rahul Gandhi. Despite Gandhi's objection and pending court order on the composition of the selection panel, the committee appointed Kumar.

Implications and Future Prospects

Gyanesh Kumar's entry as CEC will now determine the course of India's electoral history. With his vast administrative experience and past exposure in electoral matters, he will now carry on the traditions of independence and transparency set by the Election Commission. However, the political turmoil surrounding his appointment brings out issues regarding the controversies surrounding the mode of appointment into this significant constitutional office. With the Supreme Court having decided to take up the matter, the question remains as to how to develop the most impartial and effective system for appointing the election commissioners. Therefore, stay tuned to News Drishti for in-depth coverage and further updates on this developing story. Our team is working around the clock to present you with accurate and timely news and stories related to the national scenic drive that gives the very essence of our democracy. Stay tuned to News Drishti for incisive views and an exhaustive account pertaining to India's political and electoral news.