The Congress party urges the Modi government to postpone the Chief Election Commissioner selection meeting and expedite a Supreme Court hearing, emphasizing the need for credibility in the Election Commission’s processes.
New Delhi: The Congress party on Monday, February 17, made its stance clear on the selection of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), urging the Modi government to postpone the meeting related to the election and instead file a petition in the Supreme Court for an expedited hearing on the matter.
Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi strongly criticized the government’s approach, stating:
“Removing or trying to keep the Chief Justice out of the appointment (of CEC) process as an independent entity, the govt has made it clear, they want only control but not credibility. The most important thing for the Election Commission is credibility.”
The Congress party reiterated its full support for the government’s petition, stressing that the government should put aside its ego and focus on ensuring a quick resolution. In an X post, the party highlighted the urgency of the issue, as the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, introduced by the Modi government in 2023, has already been challenged in the Supreme Court. The court has issued three orders, and the next hearing is set for February 19.
“Modi government should file a petition in the Supreme Court that the hearing related to the CEC election should be held soon. Congress will fully support the government in this. The government should leave aside its ego and accept this demand,”
the tweet read.
The Congress’s statement came after a meeting attended by Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Modi, and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, where the selection of the next CEC was discussed.
During the meeting, Rahul Gandhi raised concerns over the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee under the new Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
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With current CEC Rajiv Kumar retiring on February 18, the senior-most Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, is set to take over, with his tenure lasting until January 26, 2029.
The controversy over the CEC appointment process continues to spark debates, with opposition parties raising concerns about transparency and fairness. As the next Supreme Court hearing approaches, political observers are keenly watching how the government and opposition navigate this crucial issue that directly impacts the credibility of India’s Election Commission.
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