In a surprising development, Election Commissioner Arun Goel tendered his resignation from his post, prompting President Droupadi Murmu to accept it. Despite Goel’s term supposed to extend until 2027, his resignation came at a critical juncture, just as the Election Commission was assessing poll preparations across the country and was on the brink of announcing the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections.
The sudden departure of Arun Goel has raised questions about the timeline for announcing the Lok Sabha election dates, which were anticipated to be disclosed in the upcoming week. The Election Commission had recently conducted meetings with senior officials from the Union Home Ministry and Railway to discuss the deployment and movement of security personnel for the parliamentary elections.
With Goel’s resignation, the Election Commission, which operates as a three-member body, is now left with only Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar. This scarcity of members follows the retirement of Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey last month, leaving a void in the commission’s structure.
Sources close to the matter indicated that Goel cited personal reasons for his resignation, despite government efforts to dissuade him from stepping down. Speculations regarding health concerns were dismissed, affirming that Goel is in good health.
The government is anticipated to commence the process of appointing new election commissioners to fill the vacancies, given the imminent general elections. According to the new legislation governing the appointment of CEC and ECs, a search committee headed by the law minister, along with two union secretaries, will shortlist five candidates. Subsequently, a selection committee comprising the prime minister, a Union Cabinet Minister appointed by the PM, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha or the leader of the largest opposition party will choose one candidate. The President will then formally appoint the selected CEC or EC.
A gazette notification issued by the Union Law and Justice Ministry acknowledged Goel’s resignation, effective from March 9, 2024. With Goel’s departure, only Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar remains in the panel, necessitating the expeditious appointment of new commissioners to maintain the commission’s operational integrity.
Arun Goel, a distinguished bureaucrat with a 37-year career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), transitioned to the Election Commission after serving as the Union heavy industries secretary. His appointment faced legal scrutiny when it was challenged in the Supreme Court by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), alleging procedural irregularities and compromising the commission’s independence. However, Goel’s extensive administrative background and expertise, coupled with his academic credentials, reflect his substantial contributions to public service and governance.
Born on December 7, 1962, in Patiala, Arun Goel’s notable career trajectory and commitment to public service underscore his significant role in shaping India’s electoral landscape and administrative governance. His resignation marks a pivotal moment in the Election Commission’s leadership, warranting careful consideration in the selection of new commissioners to uphold the commission’s integrity and independence.
