Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service officer from the Kerala cadre, will succeed Rajiv Kumar, who is set to retire on February 18, 2025. Kumar's tenure as CEC is slated to run until January 26, 2029, during which he will oversee significant electoral events, including the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Notably, he is the first CEC appointed under the new law governing the Election Commission's selection process.
The selection committee convened on February 17, 2025, to deliberate on the appointment. The panel comprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. During the meeting, Gandhi reportedly raised objections regarding the composition of the committee, highlighting the absence of the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel—a change instituted by the recent amendment to the appointment process. Expressing his dissent, Gandhi urged the committee to postpone the decision until after the Supreme Court's scheduled hearing on the matter on February 19. Despite his objections, the committee proceeded with Kumar's appointment.
The Congress party has criticized the government's swift action in finalizing the appointment. Senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal described the move as a "hasty midnight decision," arguing that it undermines the sanctity of the electoral process. Venugopal emphasized that the government should have awaited the Supreme Court's verdict on the amended selection procedure before making the appointment.
Gyanesh Kumar brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Prior to his tenure as Election Commissioner, which began on March 14, 2024, he served as the Cooperation Secretary of India until his retirement on January 31, 2024. In this capacity, Kumar oversaw significant initiatives, including the enactment of the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2023, and the establishment of national cooperative bodies such as the Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited and the National Cooperative Export Limited. His career also includes a stint as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence from 2007 to 2012.
The recent amendment to the selection process for the CEC has been a point of contention. The new law, enacted in 2024, altered the composition of the selection committee by excluding the CJI and including a member of the Union Council of Ministers nominated by the Prime Minister. This change has faced criticism from various quarters, with detractors arguing that it compromises the independence of the Election Commission. The Supreme Court is set to review the legality of this amendment, adding another layer of complexity to Kumar's appointment.
Despite the controversy surrounding his selection, Gyanesh Kumar is poised to assume office on February 19, 2025. His leadership will be pivotal in steering the Election Commission through upcoming electoral challenges, including the general elections in 2029. As the political landscape evolves, the efficacy and impartiality of the Election Commission under Kumar's stewardship will be closely scrutinized by both political entities and the electorate.
The appointment has also sparked discussions about the broader implications of the amended selection process. Legal experts and political analysts are debating whether the exclusion of the judiciary from the committee could impact the perceived neutrality of the Election Commission. As the Supreme Court prepares to deliberate on the matter, the outcome could have lasting effects on the institutional framework governing India's electoral processes.
In the interim, the Election Commission, under Gyanesh Kumar's leadership, faces the immediate task of ensuring the smooth conduct of state elections scheduled in the coming months. The Commission's ability to maintain its autonomy and uphold democratic principles during this period will be indicative of its resilience amidst the ongoing debates over its governance structure.