The country is all set to witness the Lok Sabha elections this year and the dates are to be disclosed soon by the Election Commission of India. However, just few weeks ahead the election, the Election Commissioner Arun Goel submitted his resignation.
This unexpected resignation of the Election Commissioner has sparked criticism directed at the Modi-led government and has prompted concerns regarding the transparency of future ‘free and fair’ elections.
Goel’s term was scheduled to end on December 5, 2027, and he was anticipated to assume the role of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) after the retirement of the current incumbent, Rajiv Kumar, in February of the following year.
While it was not immediately known why Arun Goel stepped down, some media reports indicated there were “differences on various issues” and that could be a reason for his resignation. Few media reported that Arun Goel cited personal reasons while resigning.
But the question arises: ‘WHY‘ did he resign?
As of now, Arun Goel has not issued any statement regarding his resignation. However, the opposition has already offered answers to the question.
Kapil Sibal says to ANI, “It surely is (surprising). If at the cusp of an election, which is just a couple of months away, you resign – obviously there is something serious on the basis of which he must have resigned.”
#WATCH | On the resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal says, “It surely is (surprising). If at the cusp of an election, which is just a couple of months away, you resign – obviously there is something serious on the basis of which he must have… pic.twitter.com/9JaZIQzBvN
— ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2024
In a statement posted on X, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed concern, stating, “Is it the Election Commission or Election OMISSION? With only one Election Commissioner remaining in India, and with Lok Sabha elections set to be announced shortly, questions arise. Why is this so? As I’ve mentioned before, if we fail to halt the systematic erosion of our independent institutions, our democracy risks being replaced by dictatorship.”
Election Commission or Election OMISSION?
India now has only ONE Election Commissioner, even as Lok Sabha elections are to be announced in few days. Why?
As I have said earlier, if we do NOT stop the systematic decimation of our independent institutions, our DEMOCRACY shall…
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) March 9, 2024
Kharge further asserted that the Election Commission of India (ECI) appears to be among the last constitutional institutions standing.
“With the new process of appointing Election Commissioners seemingly placing all power in the hands of the ruling party and the Prime Minister, why hasn’t a new Election Commissioner been appointed even 23 days after the former commissioner’s term ended? The Modi government needs to address these queries and provide a plausible explanation,” added the Congress president.
Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale posted a video on X, ” This is a part of the “chronology” of Modi’s & BJP’s dirty tricks to steal votes in Bengal…”
Why did Election Commissioner Arun Goel abruptly resign last night just after cutting short his trip to Bengal with the ECI?
What explains this sudden mystery days before the elections?
This is a part of the “chronology” of Modi’s & BJP’s dirty tricks to steal votes in Bengal.… pic.twitter.com/3UQYswae4i
— Saket Gokhale (@SaketGokhale) March 10, 2024
MP Mahua Maoitra also took a jibe on this stance. She wrote on X, “Why does EC Arun Goel resign right after ECI’s poll review mtng in Kolkata where he left abruptly? Apparently disagreed with Delhi’s diktat on num of phases & excessive force deployment . Will now be replaced by hand picked yes man.”
Why does EC Arun Goel resign right after ECI’s poll review mtng in Kolkata where he left abruptly? Apparently disagreed with Delhi’s diktat on num of phases & excessive force deployment .
Will now be replaced by hand picked yes man.
— Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) March 9, 2024