March 10, 2024
2 mins read

Goel resigns as Election Commissioner ahead of polls

Goel assumed charge as Election Commissioner (EC) of India on November 21, 2022….reports Asian Lite News

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Election Commissioner Arun Goel on Saturday resigned from the post. His resignation has been accepted by the President.

“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”, an official statement from the Ministry of Law and Justice read.

Meanwhile, the election dates are likely to be announced next week. Goel assumed charge as Election Commissioner (EC) of India on November 21, 2022.

He has also worked as Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Vice-Chairman, Delhi Development Authority; Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Labour and Employment; Joint Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

‘Govt doesn’t want free and fair election’

Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary, KC Venugopal, expressed shock over the abrupt resignation of the Election Commissioner ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, saying that the entire nation is anxious about the upcoming elections. He also said that the government doesn’t want a “free and fair election.”

“This is quite shocking; just before the declaration of elections, the Election Commissioner has resigned. Now, only one Election Commissioner is there… What is happening in this Election Commission? The entire country is anxious. The government of India doesn’t want a free and fair election,” said Venugopal said.

“Earlier, they removed the Chief Justice of India from the selection body of the Election Commission and Election Commissioner. In place of CJI, they included a cabinet minister… now it has become a government affair… transparency has been lost in this process,” he added.

Arun Goel assumed charge as Election Commissioner (EC) of India on November 21, 2022. He has also worked as Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Vice-Chairman, Delhi Development Authority; Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Labour and Employment; and Joint Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. The Lok Sabha polls are slated to be held in April-May this year.

Earlier in the day, Venugopal raised concerns over Election Commissioner Goel’s resignation, stating, ” It is deeply concerning for the health of the world’s largest democracy that Election Commissioner 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,” the Congress leader said in a post on ‘X’.

Attacking the BJP-led government, KC Venugopal said, “During the 2019 elections, Mr. Ashok Lavasa had dissented against a clean chit to the PM for violating the Model Code of Conduct. Later, he faced relentless inquiries. This attitude shows the regime is hell-bent on destroying democratic traditions.”

The Lok Sabha elections are slated to be held in April-May this year. (ANI)

ALSO READ: In Kashmir, PM hits out at Congress and its allies

Previous Story

Actor Kamal Haasan joins DMK-led alliance

Next Story

Pawar names daughter as Baramati candidate  

Latest from India News

ASEAN lauds India’s firm stance on terrorism

The ASEAN Secretary-General reaffirmed the bloc’s resolve to deepen collaboration with India—a comprehensive strategic partner—in security and counter-terrorism efforts. The Indian all-party Parliamentary delegation, led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha,

NDA claims mandate in Manipur

Ten NDA MLAs urge Manipur Governor to restore popular government, claiming support of 44 legislators amid political vacuum and ongoing ethnic unrest under President’s Rule. Amid continued uncertainty in Manipur under President’s

Ex-SEBI chief cleared by Lokpal

The anti-corruption ombudsman ruled that the complaints lacked credible evidence and were based largely on assumptions, speculation, and unverifiable claims. The Lokpal of India has dismissed all complaints against former Securities and

Iran pressed over 3 missing Indians

The embassy stated that it is maintaining close contact with the families and keeping them regularly updated about the steps being taken….reports Asian Lite News The Indian government has urged Iranian authorities

India-US eye June trade deal

The trade discussions come at a crucial time, with the United States’ 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods—imposed on April 2—currently suspended until July 9….reports Asian Lite News India and
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Indian journo’s exhibition in UK brings back dark memories

It is also exhibiting work during the Indian emergency days

Army, ISI nurturing Khalistanis against India, confirms Pak Army officer

Khalistani Chief Panjwar, who was given a large amount of