New Delhi: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), calling the decision “disrespectful and discourteous.” He raised concerns over the timing of the appointment, arguing that it was made just before the Supreme Court was set to hear a challenge on the selection process.
Taking to social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, “It is both disrespectful and discourteous for the PM and HM to have made a midnight decision to select the new CEC when the very composition of the committee and the process is being challenged in the Supreme Court and is due to be heard in less than 48 hours.”
During the committee meeting to select the new CEC, Rahul Gandhi submitted a formal dissent note to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, opposing how the appointment was conducted.
Rahul Gandhi, in his dissent note, emphasized that the independence of the Election Commission of India (ECI) is crucial to ensure free and fair elections. He referenced the March 2, 2023, Supreme Court ruling, which had recommended that the CEC and Election Commissioners be appointed by a committee comprising the PM, the Leader of Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
Rahul Gandhi argued that the Supreme Court’s ruling reflected the concerns of the Indian people regarding electoral integrity. He further demanded that the appointment be deferred until the Supreme Court hearing on the matter is concluded.
Rahul Gandhi also criticized the August 2023 legislation introduced by the Government of India, which altered the selection process by removing the Chief Justice of India from the panel and replacing them with a Union Cabinet Minister appointed by the Prime Minister.
“This change violates both the spirit and the letter of the Supreme Court’s order,” his dissent note read. He accused the government of bypassing judicial recommendations to maintain control over the Election Commission.
Meanwhile, the Congress party has raised concerns over electoral roll irregularities, particularly in Maharashtra, demanding that the outgoing Chief Election Commissioner hand over the voters’ list for both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. They suspect that unauthorized voter additions and manipulation have taken place.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut had earlier alleged that “floating voters” had been shifted from Maharashtra to Delhi ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections and could be relocated to Bihar, which is set to go to polls later this year.
Similarly, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also expressed concerns about electoral roll manipulation in her state ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections
The new.y appointed CEC Gyanesh Kumar will hold office until January 26, 2029. He is known for his key role in the abrogation of Article 370 during his tenure at the Union Home Ministry.
Under his leadership, the Election Commission will oversee major elections, including
With Rahul Gandhi’s objections and legal challenges looming, the controversy surrounding Gyanesh Kumar’s appointment as CEC is expected to remain a significant political and legal battle in the coming days.
