'Hastily taken decision': Congress criticizes Gyanesh Kumar's appointment as CEC
What's the story
The Congress party has slammed the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as India's new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), dubbing it a "hastily taken decision."
The president announced the appointment on the recommendation of a selection panel headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Congress claims the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government is trying to circumvent Supreme Court scrutiny over the selection process, as the law governing appointments to the position is being challenged in the apex court.
Impartiality concerns
Congress questions impartiality of CEC appointment
Taking to social media, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal raised concerns that the decision undermines the impartiality required for the CEC role.
He added that the government should have waited for a Supreme Court hearing on the matter, scheduled for February 19, 2025, before going ahead with the appointment.
"Their decision to hastily hold the meeting today and appoint...shows they are keen to circumvent... Supreme Court's scrutiny," he said.
Dissent expressed
Gandhi submits dissent note, questions panel's constitution
The meeting of the selection panel, which took place at the Prime Minister's office, was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
After the meeting, Gandhi filed an official dissent note, opposing the timing of the meeting as a Supreme Court case challenging the panel's constitution was pending.
The decision should have been kept in abeyance until the apex court decided the issue, he said.
Press conference
Congress leaders criticize government's decision
Separately, Congress leaders Abhishek Singhvi and Ajay Maken addressed a press conference criticizing the government's decision to go ahead with Kumar's appointment before the Supreme Court's verdict.
They argued that keeping judicial oversight out of the selection process, compromises its integrity.
The SC had earlier directed that CEC appointments be made by a committee including the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition and Chief Justice of India.
Legislative change
New law alters CEC selection committee composition
But a new law passed in 2023 restructured this committee to include a Union cabinet minister instead of the Chief Justice.
Traditionally, the president appoints the CEC on the advice of the PM.
However, this time, the new CEC is likely to be chosen under a new statute, the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act of 2023.