How valid is LS LoP Rahul Gandhi’s objection to the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner? Is his problem the process by which the CEC has been selected, or has he objections to the individual that has been appointed to the job? Or is it his problem that the name of the new incumbent was announced in the middle of the night? A mere symbolic protest just to disagree on yet another subject with the ruling establishment can only be a reiteration of his commitment to oppose the ‘Indian state’. The people will have duly taken note of that.
Gyanesh Kumar has not appeared out of nowhere. He has functioned as an Election Commissioner during a period when numerous elections have been held, peacefully and efficiently. Reforms have been introduced in a systemic manner leading to smooth and improved functioning. It can be expected that the process will be continued under his leadership. Has Rahul Gandhi any information about Kumar having been deficient in performing his duty? Mere petulance at not having one’s way is not a good reason to make objections.
As for the manner of selection – it is in accordance with the law passed in Parliament. The matter may be before the Supreme Court, but if decisions are to be delayed because judicial verdicts are awaited, nothing would ever get done in this country. There is no doubt that the LoP’s stand is merely to prepare the ground for questioning the functioning of the Election Commission in the days to come. It has become a pattern for the opposition parties to blame the ECI for their defeats, instead of introspecting on their own shortcomings. By adopting this approach, damage is being caused to one of India’s best functioning institutions, which is a role-model for ECs around the world.
As for involvement of the SC Chief Justice in the selection process, having supported the CEC’s appointment, would he or she then have to recuse from a case involving the Election Commission? Perhaps, having retired, the former CEC Rajiv Kumar should take Rahul Gandhi to court for all the personal aspersions that have been made against him when he was in office.
