In a shock move weeks before the Lok Sabha polls, Election Commissioner Arun Goel has quit and his resignation has been accepted by the President. The three-member Election Commission of India already had a vacancy and will now be left only with Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.
Earlier on Saturday, sources revealed that the Lok Sabha election dates are likely to be announced next week, and Mr Goel’s resignation has now put a question mark on that timeline.
Top officials said Mr Goel cited personal reasons while resigning, adding that the government tried to persuade him not to quit, but he insisted. On speculation that health was a cause for the resignation, they said Mr Goel is in perfect health. “The government will start the process of appointing other election commissioners,” said an official.
“Minister of Law picks up four names from the list of names shortlisted… The file was put up on November 18; moves the same day. Even PM recommends the name on the same day. We don’t want any confrontation, but was this done in any haste? What’s the tearing hurry,” the court had asked.
A petition against Mr Goel’s appointment was, however, dismissed by a two-judge bench last year. The judges had noted that a Constitution bench had examined the issue but had refused to cancel Mr Goel’s appointment.
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