The sudden resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel just days before the expected announcement of the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation. Arun Goel's tenure was slated to continue until December 5, 2027, with a potential promotion to Chief Election Commissioner after the retirement of incumbent Rajiv Kumar next year. However, days before this anticipated announcement, Arun Goel resigned from his position, leaving many questioning the reasons behind his sudden departure.
While the exact reason for his resignation remains unclear, some media reports have suggested that "differences on various issues" between Goel and other members of the Election Commission could be a contributing factor. NDTV, citing top officials, reported that Arun Goel cited personal reasons for his resignation, further adding to the mystery surrounding his decision.
Reactions to Arun Goel's Resignation
The resignation of Arun Goel has prompted reactions from various political quarters. Mahua Moitra of the Trinamool Congress voiced concerns about the timing of Goel's resignation, raising questions about whether it was linked to disagreements over the number of election phases and the deployment of excessive force. Another TMC leader, Saket Gokhale, highlighted the concern over the vacancies in the Election Commission ahead of the crucial general elections. The Congress also expressed deep concern over Goel's resignation, warning against the systematic erosion of independent institutions.
Who is Arun Goel?*
Arun Goel, a retired bureaucrat and a 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 holds an MSc. in Mathematics and has received various academic honors. His appointment as Election Commissioner in 2022 faced legal challenges, but the Supreme Court upheld it, allowing him to assume the position. With a distinguished career in the civil services and a strong academic background, Goel brought significant expertise to his role as Election Commissioner.
What Happens Next?
Following Arun Goel's resignation, the Election Commission is left with only one member, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. However, under the new Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, the central government now has the authority to appoint two election commissioners before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The selection process involves two committees: a search committee and a selection committee, both of which have government representatives. The search committee recommends five names to the selection committee, which then has the power to select commissioners from this list or outside of it. Ultimately, the appointment of the chief election commissioner or election commissioner is made by the President, ensuring the integrity and independence of the election process.