Understanding Arun Goel Resignation as Election Commissioner -2024

Pranay

10 months ago

Understanding Arun Goel Resignation:

In a surprising turn of events, Arun Goel, one of the election commissioners, has tendered his resignation just days before the anticipated announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule. This unexpected move has left many perplexed and wondering about its implications for the upcoming polls. Let’s delve into the details and try to unravel this enigma.

Who is Arun Goel?

Arun Goel, a retired bureaucrat from the 1985-batch IAS officer of the Punjab cadre, joined the Election Commission of India in November 2022. Born on December 7, 1962, in Patiala, Goel boasts an impressive academic background, with notable achievements in mathematics and economics from prestigious institutions like the University of Cambridge and Harvard University.

The Resignation Shockwave:

Despite having a tenure until December 2027 and a potential promotion to Chief Election Commissioner next year, Goel’s sudden resignation has sent shockwaves across the political landscape. While the official reason remains undisclosed, speculations abound regarding possible disagreements on various issues or personal reasons behind this decision.

Political Reactions:

The resignation has triggered a flurry of reactions from political quarters. Members of the Trinamool Congress and the Congress party have raised concerns over the timing and implications of Goel’s departure. Questions have been raised about the impact on the impartiality and functioning of the Election Commission, especially with crucial elections on the horizon.

Election Commission or Election OMISSION?

India now has only ONE Election Commissioner, even as Lok Sabha elections are to be announced in few days. Why?

As I have said earlier, if we do NOT stop the systematic decimation of our independent institutions, our DEMOCRACY shall…

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) March 9, 2024

Implications and What Happens Next:

With Goel’s departure, the Election Commission now operates with just one Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar. This raises concerns about the Commission’s capacity to handle the impending electoral processes effectively. Under the recently enacted Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, the central government has the authority to appoint two election commissioners.

The appointment process involves two committees – a search committee and a selection committee – comprising government officials and representatives. While the search committee nominates candidates, the selection committee ultimately decides on the appointments. The President then formalizes the appointments of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.

Conclusion:

Arun Goel’s resignation has injected a sense of uncertainty into the political arena, with implications for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. As stakeholders await the appointment of new election commissioners, the integrity and impartiality of the Election Commission remain under scrutiny. The coming days will undoubtedly shed more light on the ramifications of this unexpected development.