Gyanesh Kumar has been named as the new chief election commissioner, Union law ministry announced on Monday. He will replace Rajiv Kumar, who will demit office on Tuesday after attaining the age of 65.
Kumar, who was serving as an Election Commissioner before this announcement, previously worked with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Kumar, a 1988-batch officer from the Kerala cadre, had also served as secretary in various ministries, including Cooperation, Parliamentary Affairs and Defence.
Kumar was one of five candidates suggested by the search panel out of more than 485 people. He was posted as Joint Secretary, Kashmir Division, in the Amit Shah-led Home Ministry when Article 370 was abrogated in August 2019.
He is the first CEC to be appointed under the new law on the appointment of the members of the Election Commission (EC). His term will run till 26 January 2029, days before the EC is expected to announce the schedule for the next Lok Sabha election.
Chief election commissioners have a tenure of six years or until they turn 65, whichever is earlier. Kumar became the first CEC to be appointed under new law on appointment of election commissioners.
Gyanesh Kumar's name was picked by a selection committee headed by prime minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.
The committee met at the Prime Minister's Office in South Block. It recommended the name from among the candidates shortlisted by a search committee.
Earlier today, Congress suggested that the government adjourn the meeting to select the chief election commissioner until the Supreme Court hears a petition on the constitution of the selection panel on February 19.
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