Election Commissioner Arun Goel Resigns Days Before 2024 Lok Sabha Election, "Very Very Concerning says the Opposition

Days ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Election, Election Commissioner Arun Goel tendered his resignation on Saturday. President Droupadi Murmu has accepted his resignation with effect from March 9. As per reports, the Election Commissioner resigned citing "personal reasons." 

"In pursuance of clause (1) of Section 11 of The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, the President is pleased to accept the resignation tendered by Shri Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from the 09th March, 2024," read the notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice. 

Arun Goel, a 1985 batch IAS officer, previously served as Secretary at the Ministry of Heavy Industry, Government of India. He voluntarily retired on November 18, 2022, and was soon appointed as Election Commissioner the next day. However, the Supreme Court back then had questioned the government's quick decision over the Election Commissioner's appointment. Goel's term was set until 2027, and he was poised to become the Chief Election Commissioner after Rajiv Kumar's upcoming retirement.

It is important to note that the Supreme Court had observed that the President would appoint the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners upon the recommendation of a Committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India. However, a government bill overturned this decision, replacing the Chief Justice of India in the advisory committee with a Cabinet minister.

With Anup Pandey's retirement in February and Arun Goel's resignation, the three-member Election Commission panel now consists solely of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. 

Several leaders of the Opposition have expreseed their profound concern over the sudden resignation of the Election Commission just days ahead of the all-important 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. Trinamool Congress's Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gohale has stated that the resignation of the Election Commissioner is "very very concerning" as the post of the other Election Commissioner is vacant and the Election Commission now solely comprises of the Chief Election Commissioner. "In a sudden move, Election Commissioner Arun Goel has abruptly resigned. The post of the other EC is vacant. That leaves the Election Commission now with just 1 Chief Election Commissioner. Modi Govt has introduced a new law where Election Commissioners will now be appointed with a majority vote of PM Modi & 1 Minister chosen by him. Ergo, before 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Modi will now appoint 2 out of the 3 Election Commissioners after today’s resignation. This is VERY VERY concerning," posted the TMC leader on "X". 

Congress General Secretary KCVenugopal said that the resignation questions the transparency of a constitutionalinstitution such as the ECI. "It is deeply concerning for the health of the world’s largest democracy that Election Commissioner Mr. Arun Goel has resigned on the cusp of the Lok Sabha elections. There is absolutely no transparency in how a constitutional institution like the ECI has been functioning and the manner in which the government pressurises them," posted the senior Congress leader.