The Supreme Court on Friday rapped the political parties over their inaction in assisting the people of Bihar who were left out of the draft electoral rolls during the special intensive revision (SIR) in filing claims and objections. The top court expressed surprise at the lack of involvement by political parties in correcting names of voters deleted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. &nbsp;The apex court’s remarks came after the Election Commission said none of the major political parties in Bihar filed any objections over the draft rolls.The top court also said that claim forms can be submitted along with Aadhaar card or any other 11 acceptable documents.&nbsp;The top court expressed surprise after the poll body said Bihar had over 1.68 lakh booth-level agents (BLAs) of political parties, but only two objections have been filed so far despite vehement criticism by the opposition. Around 65 lakh voters have been dropped from the draft electoral rolls published by the ECI on August 1.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-vote-theft-allegations-insult-of-the-constitution-cec-refutes-oppn-s-charge-of-bias-in-bihar-s-sir-1755423718094">‘Vote theft allegations an insult, few leaders misleading voters:’ CEC refutes Oppn’s charge of bias</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi resumed hearing a batch of petitions challenging the SIR exercise. The petitions were filed by RJD MP Manoj Jha, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), PUCL, activist Yogendra Yadav, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and former Bihar MLA Mujahid Alam.&nbsp;“All 12 political parties in Bihar shall issue specific directions to party workers to assist people in filing and submission of requisite forms with any 11 documents in Form 6 or Aadhaar card,” the bench said.&nbsp;Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-should-we-share-videos-of-mothers-sisters-here-s-why-ec-is-refusing-to-share-cctv-footage-amid-rahul-gandhi-s-vote-chori-charge-1755430017254">‘Should we share videos of mothers, sisters?’: Here's why EC is refusing to share CCTV footage amid Rahul Gandhi’s ‘vote&nbsp;chori’&nbsp;charge</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;“We will allow online submission of claims of deleted voters with Aadhaar card or any other acceptable documents for Bihar SIR,” said the bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi.&nbsp;“All the political parties shall file the status report by the next date of hearing on the claim form they had facilitated in filing by excluded voters,” the bench added and posted the matter for hearing on September 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;During the hearing, the Election Commission informed the court that while 85,000 new voters had been added in the ongoing revision, only two objections had been filed by booth-level agents of political parties.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-stop-false-narrative-and-give-proof-election-commission-slams-rahul-gandhi-over-voter-fraud-claims-1755168179147">'Stop false narrative and give proof’: Election Commission slams Rahul Gandhi over 'voter fraud' claims</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;On August 14, the Election Commission uploaded details of 65 lakh deleted voters from Bihar’s draft electoral rolls on district magistrates’ websites, following a Supreme Court order.&nbsp;Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had said at a press conference that Electoral Registration Officers and Booth Level Officers bear responsibility for the accuracy of rolls, which are shared digitally and physically with parties and the public. Draft rolls in Bihar, published on August 1, remain open for claims and objections until September 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-vote-theft-row-escalates-leader-of-opposition-rahul-gandhi-election-commission-trade-fire-1755532732108/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-vote-theft-row-escalates-leader-of-opposition-rahul-gandhi-election-commission-trade-fire-1755532732108/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Defending the exercise, Kumar said it was a “matter of grave concern” that some parties were spreading “misinformation”, stressing that India’s election system is a “multi-layered, decentralised construct as envisaged by law.”&nbsp;In the previous hearing, the Supreme Court said it could set aside the results of the special intensive revision if illegality was proven. The hearing will continue, with the final rolls due on September 30.

The Supreme Court expressed surprise after the Election Commission said that Bihar has over 1.68 lakh booth-level agents (BLAs) of political parties, but only two objections have been filed so far despite vehement criticism of the electoral roll revision by the opposition.

The Supreme Court on Friday rapped the political parties over their inaction in assisting the people of Bihar who were left out of the draft electoral rolls during the special intensive revision (SIR) in filing claims and objections. The top court expressed surprise at the lack of involvement by political parties in correcting names of voters deleted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The apex court’s remarks came after the Election Commission said none of the major political parties in Bihar filed any objections over the draft rolls. The top court also said that claim forms can be submitted along with Aadhaar card or any other 11 acceptable documents. The top court expressed surprise after the poll body said Bihar had over 1.68 lakh booth-level agents (BLAs) of political parties, but only two objections have been filed so far despite vehement criticism by the opposition. Around 65 lakh voters have been dropped from the draft electoral rolls published by the ECI on August 1. Also Read: ‘Vote theft allegations an insult, few leaders misleading voters:’ CEC refutes Oppn’s charge of bias The bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi resumed hearing a batch of petitions challenging the SIR exercise. The petitions were filed by RJD MP Manoj Jha, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), PUCL, activist Yogendra Yadav, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and former Bihar MLA Mujahid Alam. “All 12 political parties in Bihar shall issue specific directions to party workers to assist people in filing and submission of requisite forms with any 11 documents in Form 6 or Aadhaar card,” the bench said. Also Read: ‘Should we share videos of mothers, sisters?’: Here's why EC is refusing to share CCTV footage amid Rahul Gandhi’s ‘vote chori’ charge “We will allow online submission of claims of deleted voters with Aadhaar card or any other acceptable documents for Bihar SIR,” said the bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi. “All the political parties shall file the status report by the next date of hearing on the claim form they had facilitated in filing by excluded voters,” the bench added and posted the matter for hearing on September 8. During the hearing, the Election Commission informed the court that while 85,000 new voters had been added in the ongoing revision, only two objections had been filed by booth-level agents of political parties. Also Read: 'Stop false narrative and give proof’: Election Commission slams Rahul Gandhi over 'voter fraud' claims On August 14, the Election Commission uploaded details of 65 lakh deleted voters from Bihar’s draft electoral rolls on district magistrates’ websites, following a Supreme Court order. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had said at a press conference that Electoral Registration Officers and Booth Level Officers bear responsibility for the accuracy of rolls, which are shared digitally and physically with parties and the public. Draft rolls in Bihar, published on August 1, remain open for claims and objections until September 1. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-vote-theft-row-escalates-leader-of-opposition-rahul-gandhi-election-commission-trade-fire-1755532732108/embed Defending the exercise, Kumar said it was a “matter of grave concern” that some parties were spreading “misinformation”, stressing that India’s election system is a “multi-layered, decentralised construct as envisaged by law.” In the previous hearing, the Supreme Court said it could set aside the results of the special intensive revision if illegality was proven. The hearing will continue, with the final rolls due on September 30.

The Supreme Court expressed surprise after the Election Commission said that Bihar has over 1.68 lakh booth-level agents (BLAs) of political parties, but only two objections have been filed so far despite vehement criticism of the electoral roll revision by the opposition.

Supreme Court raps parties for ‘inaction’ over missing Bihar voters, tells EC to accept Aadhaar or any 11 documents

Amid continued spat with the Election Commission over allegations of vote fraud, the INDIA Opposition bloc is considering bringing a motion to remove the Chief Election Commissioner. The impeachment motion is to be brought in the monsoon session of Parliament against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, reported ANI, citing sources.&nbsp;Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain speaking to the news agency said all available rules in the Indian democarcy will be looked at if such a need arises.&nbsp;“If there is a need, we will use all the weapons of democracy under the rules. We have not had any discussions (about impeachment) as of now, but if needed, we can do anything," Hussain was quoted as saying by the news agency.&nbsp;Can the Opposition really impeach the EC, what is the process?&nbsp;Impeachment is the process about deciding to remove a person in a position from exercising all the powers and responsibilities he or she holds. The Indian constitution uses the word (impeachment) only for President under article 61 where 2/3 majority of total membership of each house will be required.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-buys-30-uk-schools-in-span-of-ten-years-what-is-the-reason-behind-this-rapid-acquisition-1755497779709">China buys 30 UK schools in span of ten years; what is the reason behind this rapid acquisition?</a>&nbsp;Removal is permitted only on grounds of proven misbehaviour or incapacity.&nbsp;However, CJI and judges of SC, CJ of HC and judges of HC, CAG and CEC are also removed following the same process. It is only different in terms of majority required. In all these impeachements 2/3 of members present and absolute majority of each house will be required.&nbsp;Here, in the case of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, the Opposition does not have the numbers to move an impeachment motion. It rather looks like a pressure tactics being used by the INDIA block led by Congress against the CEC.&nbsp;On Sunday, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar slammed Rahul Gandhi in a media briefing for the “vote theft” claims and demanded an apology from him.&nbsp;"An affidavit will have to be given or an apology should be made to the country. Teesra koi vikalp nahi (There is no third option.) If the affidavit is not received within seven days, it means that all these allegations are baseless." CEC Gyanesh Kumar said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The India constitution uses the word (impeachment) only for President, however, there are other positions that are removed through the same process.

Amid continued spat with the Election Commission over allegations of vote fraud, the INDIA Opposition bloc is considering bringing a motion to remove the Chief Election Commissioner. The impeachment motion is to be brought in the monsoon session of Parliament against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, reported ANI, citing sources. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain speaking to the news agency said all available rules in the Indian democarcy will be looked at if such a need arises. “If there is a need, we will use all the weapons of democracy under the rules. We have not had any discussions (about impeachment) as of now, but if needed, we can do anything," Hussain was quoted as saying by the news agency. Can the Opposition really impeach the EC, what is the process? Impeachment is the process about deciding to remove a person in a position from exercising all the powers and responsibilities he or she holds. The Indian constitution uses the word (impeachment) only for President under article 61 where 2/3 majority of total membership of each house will be required. Also Read: China buys 30 UK schools in span of ten years; what is the reason behind this rapid acquisition? Removal is permitted only on grounds of proven misbehaviour or incapacity. However, CJI and judges of SC, CJ of HC and judges of HC, CAG and CEC are also removed following the same process. It is only different in terms of majority required. In all these impeachements 2/3 of members present and absolute majority of each house will be required. Here, in the case of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, the Opposition does not have the numbers to move an impeachment motion. It rather looks like a pressure tactics being used by the INDIA block led by Congress against the CEC. On Sunday, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar slammed Rahul Gandhi in a media briefing for the “vote theft” claims and demanded an apology from him. "An affidavit will have to be given or an apology should be made to the country. Teesra koi vikalp nahi (There is no third option.) If the affidavit is not received within seven days, it means that all these allegations are baseless." CEC Gyanesh Kumar said.

The India constitution uses the word (impeachment) only for President, however, there are other positions that are removed through the same process.

INDIA bloc threatens impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, WION explains possibility

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday (Feb 18), strongly criticised the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), citing concerns over the integrity of India's electoral process.&nbsp;
Gandhi expressed his dissent over the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee, calling it a violation of a Supreme Court order.
He said that the Indian government has "exacerbated the concerns of hundreds of millions of voters over the integrity of our electoral process," by violating the order of the Supreme Court and "removing" the Chief Justice from the selection committee.
The Congress leader took to his official X handle and, in a post, expressed his dissent over the selection, calling the process "disrespectful and discourteous."
"By violating the Supreme Court order and removing the Chief Justice of India from the committee, the Modi Government has exacerbated the concerns of hundreds of millions of voters over the integrity of our electoral process," he wrote.
He further said that it was his duty to uphold the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar and hold the government to account.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-gyanesh-kumar-indias-newly-appointed-chief-election-commissioner-8731332">Also read: Who is Gyanesh Kumar, India's newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner?</a>
"As the LoP it is my duty to uphold the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar and the founding leaders of our nation and hold the government to account. It is both disrespectful and discourteous for the PM and HM to have made a midnight decision to select the new CEC, when the very composition of the committee and the process is being challenged in the Supreme Court and is due to be heard in less than forty-eight hours," Gandhi's dissent note read.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7abtj5b-8ql8abj6-m67orvtm">
During the meeting of the committee to select the next Election Commissioner, I presented a dissent note to the PM and HM, that stated: The most fundamental aspect of an independent Election Commission free from executive interference is the process of choosing the Election&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/JeL9WSfq3X">pic.twitter.com/JeL9WSfq3X</a>
&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1891750805172031920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Gyanesh Kumar appointed as Chief Election Commissioner</h2>
Gyanesh Kumar succeeds CEC Rajiv Kumar, who will be demitting the office on Tuesday (Feb 18).
A notification issued by the Indian Ministry of Law and Justice announced that President Droupadi Murmu was pleased to appoint Gyanesh Kumar, Election Commissioner, as Chief Election Commissioner in the Election Commission of India, with effect from February 19, 2025.
He is the first CEC to be appointed under the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, a new law on the appointment of the members of the Election Commission (EC).
The Congress had raised objections on the process, stating that the government must postpone the selection meeting, as there was a case in the Supreme Court regarding the appointment of the previous CEC.
The grand old party said on Monday (Feb 17) that the new process "creates a partisan and non-neutral mechanism for the selection of Election Commissioners".
(With inputs from agencies)

India news: The Congress leader took to his official X handle, and in a post expressed his dissent over the selection, calling the process "disrespectful and discourteous."

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday (Feb 18), strongly criticised the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), citing concerns over the integrity of India's electoral process. Gandhi expressed his dissent over the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee, calling it a violation of a Supreme Court order. He said that the Indian government has "exacerbated the concerns of hundreds of millions of voters over the integrity of our electoral process," by violating the order of the Supreme Court and "removing" the Chief Justice from the selection committee. The Congress leader took to his official X handle and, in a post, expressed his dissent over the selection, calling the process "disrespectful and discourteous." "By violating the Supreme Court order and removing the Chief Justice of India from the committee, the Modi Government has exacerbated the concerns of hundreds of millions of voters over the integrity of our electoral process," he wrote. He further said that it was his duty to uphold the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar and hold the government to account. Also read: Who is Gyanesh Kumar, India's newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner? "As the LoP it is my duty to uphold the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar and the founding leaders of our nation and hold the government to account. It is both disrespectful and discourteous for the PM and HM to have made a midnight decision to select the new CEC, when the very composition of the committee and the process is being challenged in the Supreme Court and is due to be heard in less than forty-eight hours," Gandhi's dissent note read. During the meeting of the committee to select the next Election Commissioner, I presented a dissent note to the PM and HM, that stated: The most fundamental aspect of an independent Election Commission free from executive interference is the process of choosing the Election… pic.twitter.com/JeL9WSfq3X — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 18, 2025 Gyanesh Kumar appointed as Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar succeeds CEC Rajiv Kumar, who will be demitting the office on Tuesday (Feb 18). A notification issued by the Indian Ministry of Law and Justice announced that President Droupadi Murmu was pleased to appoint Gyanesh Kumar, Election Commissioner, as Chief Election Commissioner in the Election Commission of India, with effect from February 19, 2025. He is the first CEC to be appointed under the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, a new law on the appointment of the members of the Election Commission (EC). The Congress had raised objections on the process, stating that the government must postpone the selection meeting, as there was a case in the Supreme Court regarding the appointment of the previous CEC. The grand old party said on Monday (Feb 17) that the new process "creates a partisan and non-neutral mechanism for the selection of Election Commissioners". (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi expresses dissent over Chief Election Commissioner’s appointment; ‘disrespectful, discourteous’

Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday (Feb 17) was appointed as India&rsquo;s new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). He succeeds CEC Rajiv Kumar, who will be demitting from office on Tuesday (Feb 18).
A notification issued by the Indian Ministry of Law and Justice announced that President Droupadi Murmu was pleased to appoint Gyanesh Kumar, Election Commissioner, as Chief Election Commissioner in the Election Commission of India, with effect from February 19, 2025.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gyanesh-kumar-appointed-indias-new-chief-election-commissioner-as-rajiv-kumars-tenure-ends-8730551">Gyanesh Kumar appointed India&rsquo;s new Chief Election Commissioner as Rajiv Kumar&rsquo;s tenure ends</a>
He is the first CEC to be appointed under the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, a new law on the appointment of the members of the Election Commission (EC).
<h2>Who is Gyanesh Kumar?</h2>
Incoming CEC Gyanesh Kumar is a retired IAS officer from the 1988-batch Kerala cadre. He will serve as India&rsquo;s Chief Election Commissioner starting Wednesday (Feb 19)
During his tenure as the 26th CEC, he will oversee assembly polls in Bihar later this year. And in 2026, he will oversee assembly elections in Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tesla-posts-13-job-openings-in-india-after-ceo-elon-musks-meeting-with-pm-modi-8730853">Tesla posts 13 job openings in India after CEO Elon Musk's meeting with PM Modi</a>
<h2>Education and career</h2>
Gyanesh Kumar studied B. Tech in Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, Business Finance in ICFAI, India and Environmental Economics at HIID, Harvard University, US.
As per news agency ANI, he has worked in various capacities of the Kerala government. He worked as the assistant collector of Ernakulam, sub-collector of Adoor, managing director of the Kerala State Development Corporation for SC/ST, and municipal commissioner of the Corporation of Cochin, besides holding other posts.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-indian-pm-led-panel-selects-two-poll-commissioners-699987">India polls 2024: Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Sandhu appointed new election commissioners</a>
As a secretary to the government of Kerala, he handled diverse departments, such as finance resources, fast-track projects and the public works department.
In the government of India, he has rich experience working as the joint secretary in the Ministry of Defence. He has also worked as joint secretary and additional secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation. He retired after superannuating on January 31, 2024.

India News | Learn about Gyanesh Kumar's background as a retired IAS officer, his educational achievements from IIT Kanpur and Harvard, and his government service experience.

Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday (Feb 17) was appointed as India’s new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). He succeeds CEC Rajiv Kumar, who will be demitting from office on Tuesday (Feb 18). A notification issued by the Indian Ministry of Law and Justice announced that President Droupadi Murmu was pleased to appoint Gyanesh Kumar, Election Commissioner, as Chief Election Commissioner in the Election Commission of India, with effect from February 19, 2025. Also read | Gyanesh Kumar appointed India’s new Chief Election Commissioner as Rajiv Kumar’s tenure ends He is the first CEC to be appointed under the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, a new law on the appointment of the members of the Election Commission (EC). Who is Gyanesh Kumar? Incoming CEC Gyanesh Kumar is a retired IAS officer from the 1988-batch Kerala cadre. He will serve as India’s Chief Election Commissioner starting Wednesday (Feb 19) During his tenure as the 26th CEC, he will oversee assembly polls in Bihar later this year. And in 2026, he will oversee assembly elections in Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Also read | Tesla posts 13 job openings in India after CEO Elon Musk's meeting with PM Modi Education and career Gyanesh Kumar studied B. Tech in Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, Business Finance in ICFAI, India and Environmental Economics at HIID, Harvard University, US. As per news agency ANI, he has worked in various capacities of the Kerala government. He worked as the assistant collector of Ernakulam, sub-collector of Adoor, managing director of the Kerala State Development Corporation for SC/ST, and municipal commissioner of the Corporation of Cochin, besides holding other posts. Also read | India polls 2024: Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Sandhu appointed new election commissioners As a secretary to the government of Kerala, he handled diverse departments, such as finance resources, fast-track projects and the public works department. In the government of India, he has rich experience working as the joint secretary in the Ministry of Defence. He has also worked as joint secretary and additional secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation. He retired after superannuating on January 31, 2024.

Who is Gyanesh Kumar, India's newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner?

The selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India. Gyanesh Kumar will be replacing incumbent CEC Rajiv Kumar who will be retiring from his services on February 18.

India: Gyanesh Kumar appointed as Chief Election Commissioner

Gyanesh Kumar was appointed as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Monday, succeeding Rajiv Kumar, whose tenure ends on February 18. Kumar is the senior of the two election commissioners after the outgoing CEC Rajiv Kumar.&nbsp;
Besides, Vivek Joshi, a 1989-batch Haryana-cadre IAS officer, has been appointed as an election commissioner.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m79dzs01-khc9vw18-fy8ji5fl">
Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India, with effect from 19th February 2025. (Pic - Election Commission of India/X) <a href="https://t.co/73Hmjz6oMC">pic.twitter.com/73Hmjz6oMC</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1891550242316664963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
The announcement was made shortly after a meeting of the committee comprising PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, where the Congress leader had given a note of dissent.
Earlier, the Congress had urged the government to defer the appointment of the new CEC till the Supreme Court concludes its hearing on a petition challenging the composition of the selection panel.&nbsp;
A former IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, Kumar was selected by a panel comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.
Before his appointment, Kumar held the position of secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. His tenure as the country&rsquo;s top election official comes at a crucial time, with key state and national elections ahead.
As the next CEC, Kumar would be in charge of elections in four states&mdash;Opposition-ruled Bengal and Tamil Nadu and BJP-ruled Bihar and Assam. The election in Bihar is due later this year, while the rest are due in 2026.
Kumar, a 1988-batch IAS officer from Kerala cadre, was part of the Union Home Ministry and helped draft the bill that scrapped Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.
&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

India news: Gyanesh Kumar was selected by a panel comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.

Gyanesh Kumar was appointed as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Monday, succeeding Rajiv Kumar, whose tenure ends on February 18. Kumar is the senior of the two election commissioners after the outgoing CEC Rajiv Kumar. Besides, Vivek Joshi, a 1989-batch Haryana-cadre IAS officer, has been appointed as an election commissioner. Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India, with effect from 19th February 2025. (Pic - Election Commission of India/X) pic.twitter.com/73Hmjz6oMC — ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2025 The announcement was made shortly after a meeting of the committee comprising PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, where the Congress leader had given a note of dissent. Earlier, the Congress had urged the government to defer the appointment of the new CEC till the Supreme Court concludes its hearing on a petition challenging the composition of the selection panel. A former IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, Kumar was selected by a panel comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. Before his appointment, Kumar held the position of secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. His tenure as the country’s top election official comes at a crucial time, with key state and national elections ahead. As the next CEC, Kumar would be in charge of elections in four states—Opposition-ruled Bengal and Tamil Nadu and BJP-ruled Bihar and Assam. The election in Bihar is due later this year, while the rest are due in 2026. Kumar, a 1988-batch IAS officer from Kerala cadre, was part of the Union Home Ministry and helped draft the bill that scrapped Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Gyanesh Kumar appointed India’s new Chief Election Commissioner as Rajiv Kumar’s tenure ends

Pakistan's election commission has summoned former prime minister Imran Khan to explain how he is still holding the position of a party chief after his disqualification in connection with the Toshakhana case.

Why is Imran Khan still holding PTI chief post: Election commission

Delhi Chief Election Officer Ranbir Singh on Thursday said that since the announcements of Assembly polls in the capital city, 808 FIRs have been registered and 812 people have been arrested under Excise Act.

"Since the announcement of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-2020-arvind-kejriwal-says-freebies-in-limited-doses-good-for-economy-276288">Delhi Elections</a>, 808 FIRs have been registered and 812 people have been arrested under the Excise Act. Narcotics substances worth Rs 4.66 crore, bullion worth Rs 27.22 crore and Rs 7.91 crore unaccounted cash have been seized," he said while addressing a press conference here.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-polls-would-be-fought-on-basis-of-work-not-caste-or-religion-kejriwal-276438">Delhi polls would be fought on basis of work, not caste or religion: Kejriwal</a>

"Since 6 January, 384 illegal weapons have been seized and 5592 licenced arms deposited, 3 cases of violence reported, action taken against 96355 people under Delhi Police Act, action taken against 6001 people under Excise Act," he further said.

The election for 70 Assembly seats in Delhi will be held on February 8 while the counting of votes will take place on January 11.

Delhi Chief Election Officer Ranbir Singh on Thursday said that since the announcements of Assembly polls in the capital city, 808 FIRs have been registered and 812 people have been arrested under Excise Act.

Delhi Chief Election Officer Ranbir Singh on Thursday said that since the announcements of Assembly polls in the capital city, 808 FIRs have been registered and 812 people have been arrested under Excise Act. "Since the announcement of Delhi Elections, 808 FIRs have been registered and 812 people have been arrested under the Excise Act. Narcotics substances worth Rs 4.66 crore, bullion worth Rs 27.22 crore and Rs 7.91 crore unaccounted cash have been seized," he said while addressing a press conference here. Also Read: Delhi polls would be fought on basis of work, not caste or religion: Kejriwal "Since 6 January, 384 illegal weapons have been seized and 5592 licenced arms deposited, 3 cases of violence reported, action taken against 96355 people under Delhi Police Act, action taken against 6001 people under Excise Act," he further said. The election for 70 Assembly seats in Delhi will be held on February 8 while the counting of votes will take place on January 11.

Arrests under Excise Act spike after announcement of Delhi elections

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Friday said that there was no chance to bring back ballot papers in place of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/evm-hacking-row-sp-asks-ec-to-use-ballot-papers-for-2019-polls-192472">Electronic Voting Machines</a> (EVMs) in the elections.

Arora said that there was no question of going back to the old system and even the Supreme Court has repeatedly given verdicts against the return of ballot papers.

Earlier, Opposition parties had accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of winning the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by tampering EVM machines.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had rejected Opposition's accusation, saying that EVMs are tamper-proof and can't be hacked.

On July 31, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mns-chief-raj-thackeray-meets-tmc-supremo-mamata-banerjee-calls-for-return-of-ballot-boxes-239783">Raj Thackeray</a> met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata and called for the return of ballot boxes.&nbsp;

Mamata Banerjee, who was one of the earliest interlocutors of the united opposition, has been demanding the return of ballot papers for&nbsp;a long time.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Mamata had asked all the Opposition parties to come together and demand the return of ballot papers. "I ask all the 23 political parties in the opposition to come together and demand the return of ballot papers. We must raise our voices. Even a country like the US has banned EVMs," Banerjee said.&nbsp;

(With reports from agencies)

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Friday said that there was no chance to bring back ballot papers in place of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the elections.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Friday said that there was no chance to bring back ballot papers in place of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the elections. Arora said that there was no question of going back to the old system and even the Supreme Court has repeatedly given verdicts against the return of ballot papers. Earlier, Opposition parties had accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of winning the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by tampering EVM machines. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had rejected Opposition's accusation, saying that EVMs are tamper-proof and can't be hacked. On July 31, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata and called for the return of ballot boxes. Mamata Banerjee, who was one of the earliest interlocutors of the united opposition, has been demanding the return of ballot papers for a long time. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Mamata had asked all the Opposition parties to come together and demand the return of ballot papers. "I ask all the 23 political parties in the opposition to come together and demand the return of ballot papers. We must raise our voices. Even a country like the US has banned EVMs," Banerjee said. (With reports from agencies)

We are not going back to the era of ballot papers: Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora

Fearing manipulation, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora, seeking deployment of additional observer and security forces at the strong rooms.

AAP has alleged the opposition parties have "planned attempts to gerrymander with EVMs a day or two ahead of the actual counting on May 23."

"I have strong reasons to believe our political adversaries will attempt to open strong rooms housing EVMs and manipulate or replace the machines as a handful of such incidents in the past have been witnessed," AAP's south Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha stated in the letter to Arora on Monday.

"Alarming as it may be, this would not be the first time such an attack on the electoral process would take place," Chadha, also a national spokesperson of AAP, has further stated in the letter.

"You may recall the municipal elections of 2017, at which time, specifically in a ward falling within South Delhi parliamentary constituency, strong rooms were violated and seals had been broken prior to the day assigned for counting," reads the letter.

"In addition to the already appointed Election Observer whose role is to oversee the entire electoral process, we request the ECI to appoint another independent observer whose sole focus shall be to maintain a watchful eye on strong rooms and ensure safety and security of EVMs. Until the declaration of results, the observer must ensure safe custody and integrity of EVMs."

"We request the CRPF security at Jijabaji Institute, where South Delhi's EVMs are housed, be tightened. It is further requested that additional CRPF personnel may be deployed to keep a watch over the strong rooms round the clock."

All seven seats in the city-state went to polls on May 12 during the sixth phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha polls. In South Delhi parliamentary constituency, Raghav Chadha is faced with BJP`s sitting MP Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress` Vijender Singh. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Fearing manipulation, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora, seeking deployment of additional observer and security forces at the strong rooms.

Fearing manipulation, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora, seeking deployment of additional observer and security forces at the strong rooms. AAP has alleged the opposition parties have "planned attempts to gerrymander with EVMs a day or two ahead of the actual counting on May 23." "I have strong reasons to believe our political adversaries will attempt to open strong rooms housing EVMs and manipulate or replace the machines as a handful of such incidents in the past have been witnessed," AAP's south Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha stated in the letter to Arora on Monday. "Alarming as it may be, this would not be the first time such an attack on the electoral process would take place," Chadha, also a national spokesperson of AAP, has further stated in the letter. "You may recall the municipal elections of 2017, at which time, specifically in a ward falling within South Delhi parliamentary constituency, strong rooms were violated and seals had been broken prior to the day assigned for counting," reads the letter. "In addition to the already appointed Election Observer whose role is to oversee the entire electoral process, we request the ECI to appoint another independent observer whose sole focus shall be to maintain a watchful eye on strong rooms and ensure safety and security of EVMs. Until the declaration of results, the observer must ensure safe custody and integrity of EVMs." "We request the CRPF security at Jijabaji Institute, where South Delhi's EVMs are housed, be tightened. It is further requested that additional CRPF personnel may be deployed to keep a watch over the strong rooms round the clock." All seven seats in the city-state went to polls on May 12 during the sixth phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha polls. In South Delhi parliamentary constituency, Raghav Chadha is faced with BJP`s sitting MP Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress` Vijender Singh. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

AAP seeks additional security at strong room in Delhi, writes to Chief Election Commissioner

Differences in the Election Commission have burst out in the open with Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa boycotting the meetings of the full Commission over his dissent on crucial decisions not being recorded.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora hit back at Lavasa, saying "ill-timed" controversies should be avoided and has called a meeting of the full Commission on May 21 to discuss and thrash out issues.

Arora also sought to downplay the controversy saying all the Commissioners are "not expected to be template or clones of each other".

Lavasa, who had dissented on the series of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-commission-gives-clean-chit-to-pm-modi-over-pulwama-remark-roadshow-in-ahmedabad-sources-216677">clean chits given by the Commission to Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> and BJP President Amit Shah on their speeches during the election campaign, had&nbsp;written a letter to Arora on May 16 even hinting at "taking recourse to other measures" for restoring the "lawful" functioning of the Commission in terms of recording minority decisions.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora issues statement on EC Ashok Lavasa's purported letter to him, says, 'an unsavory and avoidable controversy reported in sections of media today about internal functioning of ECI in respect of handling of Model Code of Conduct.' (3/3) <a href="https://t.co/yuRxOHMaGL">pic.twitter.com/yuRxOHMaGL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1129649323581399040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I am being forced to stay away from the meetings of the full Commission since minority decisions are not being recorded. My participation in the deliberations of the Commission becomes meaningless since my minority decisions go unrecorded," he said.

Lavasa said he might consider taking recourse to other measures aimed at restoring the lawful functioning of the Commission in terms of recording minority decisions.

"My various notes on the need for transparency in the recording and disclosure of all decisions including the minority view have gone unheeded, forcing me to withdraw from participating in the deliberations of the complaints," he said in the letter to Arora.

The office of the CEC on Saturday released a statement of Arora which said there has been an "unsavoury and avoidable" controversy reported in the media today about the internal functioning of the Commission in respect of the handling Mode Code of Conduct.

This, he said, has come at a time when all the Chief Electoral Officers throughout the country and their teams were geared for the seventh and last phase of polling on Sunday.

All of them and the senior officers of the EC headquarters have been working their utmost during the last six phases of elections which barring an odd incident here and there have been largely peaceful and conducted in a fair, free and transparent manner.

"The three members of ECI are not expected to be template or clones of each other. There have been so many times in the past when there has been a vast diversion of views as it can and should be. But the same largely remained within the confines of ECI after demission of office unless appearing much later in a book written by the concerned ECs, CECs."

"I said a few days back in another leading daily that eloquence of silence is always difficult but far more desirable which is to see the election process through instead of creating ill-timed controversies."

Arora said it needs to be mentioned in the last meeting of the Commission on May 14, it was unanimously decided that some groups shall be formed to deliberate the issues, which arose in the course of conduct of Lok Sabha elections just as it was done after the elections in 2014.

Out of the 13 issues and areas which were identified, Model Code of Conduct is one of them, Arora said.

Lavasa had opposed and dissented on the clean chits given by the Commission to Modi and Shah over the alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct by them during their campaign.

The Congress and CPI(M) had complained against Modi's speeches invoking the armed forces in the context of the Balakot aerial strikes and on issues relating to minorities. EC sources said it needs to be clarified categorically and unambiguously that this was purely an internal matter of the Election Commission and as such any speculation, innuendoes and insinuations in this regard should be eschewed.

&nbsp;

Differences in the Election Commission have burst out in the open with Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa boycotting the meetings of the full Commission over his dissent on crucial decisions not being recorded.

Differences in the Election Commission have burst out in the open with Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa boycotting the meetings of the full Commission over his dissent on crucial decisions not being recorded. Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora hit back at Lavasa, saying "ill-timed" controversies should be avoided and has called a meeting of the full Commission on May 21 to discuss and thrash out issues. Arora also sought to downplay the controversy saying all the Commissioners are "not expected to be template or clones of each other". Lavasa, who had dissented on the series of clean chits given by the Commission to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah on their speeches during the election campaign, had written a letter to Arora on May 16 even hinting at "taking recourse to other measures" for restoring the "lawful" functioning of the Commission in terms of recording minority decisions. Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora issues statement on EC Ashok Lavasa's purported letter to him, says, 'an unsavory and avoidable controversy reported in sections of media today about internal functioning of ECI in respect of handling of Model Code of Conduct.' (3/3) pic.twitter.com/yuRxOHMaGL — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2019 × "I am being forced to stay away from the meetings of the full Commission since minority decisions are not being recorded. My participation in the deliberations of the Commission becomes meaningless since my minority decisions go unrecorded," he said. Lavasa said he might consider taking recourse to other measures aimed at restoring the lawful functioning of the Commission in terms of recording minority decisions. "My various notes on the need for transparency in the recording and disclosure of all decisions including the minority view have gone unheeded, forcing me to withdraw from participating in the deliberations of the complaints," he said in the letter to Arora. The office of the CEC on Saturday released a statement of Arora which said there has been an "unsavoury and avoidable" controversy reported in the media today about the internal functioning of the Commission in respect of the handling Mode Code of Conduct. This, he said, has come at a time when all the Chief Electoral Officers throughout the country and their teams were geared for the seventh and last phase of polling on Sunday. All of them and the senior officers of the EC headquarters have been working their utmost during the last six phases of elections which barring an odd incident here and there have been largely peaceful and conducted in a fair, free and transparent manner. "The three members of ECI are not expected to be template or clones of each other. There have been so many times in the past when there has been a vast diversion of views as it can and should be. But the same largely remained within the confines of ECI after demission of office unless appearing much later in a book written by the concerned ECs, CECs." "I said a few days back in another leading daily that eloquence of silence is always difficult but far more desirable which is to see the election process through instead of creating ill-timed controversies." Arora said it needs to be mentioned in the last meeting of the Commission on May 14, it was unanimously decided that some groups shall be formed to deliberate the issues, which arose in the course of conduct of Lok Sabha elections just as it was done after the elections in 2014. Out of the 13 issues and areas which were identified, Model Code of Conduct is one of them, Arora said. Lavasa had opposed and dissented on the clean chits given by the Commission to Modi and Shah over the alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct by them during their campaign. The Congress and CPI(M) had complained against Modi's speeches invoking the armed forces in the context of the Balakot aerial strikes and on issues relating to minorities. EC sources said it needs to be clarified categorically and unambiguously that this was purely an internal matter of the Election Commission and as such any speculation, innuendoes and insinuations in this regard should be eschewed.

Ill-timed controversies must be avoided: Chief Election Commissioner hits back at Ashok Lavasa, denies reports of rift in EC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Tuesday met with heads and representatives of various social media platforms ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss various issues related to social media content in lieu of Model Code of Conduct which has been implemented in India since after the announcement of Lok Sabha Elections on March 10.

The social media heads and representatives who attended the meeting included Mahima Kaul from Twitter, Piyush Poddar and Chetan Krishnaswamy from Google, Sasha Mathew from WhatsApp, Shivnath Thujral from Facebook, Chitrita Chatterjee from Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), Berges Y&nbsp;Malu from Share Chat , Apruva Mehta from Tiktok and Nagesh Banga from Bigo TV.

The meeting was also attended by Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra and Ashok Lavasa.

President of Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) Subho Roy was also present in the meeting.

Earlier March 6, The Chairman of&nbsp;Parliamentary Committee&nbsp;on&nbsp;Information Technology,&nbsp;Anurag Thakur&nbsp;had said that social media giants&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Whatsapp&nbsp;and Instagram have accepted that there is a need for corrective measures to keep a check on posts that lead to communal tensions, incite violence or pose threat to national security.&nbsp;

Thakur made these remarks after meeting with officials of&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Whatsapp&nbsp;and Instagram.

Even prior to that, following concerns by various political parties, Thakur&nbsp;had allowed Colin Crowell, Vice President and Global Policy Head of&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;to appear before the committee on February 6 and had directed the micro-blogging site to ensure no interference of foreign entities in Indian elections.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Tuesday met with heads and representatives of various social media platforms ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Tuesday met with heads and representatives of various social media platforms ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss various issues related to social media content in lieu of Model Code of Conduct which has been implemented in India since after the announcement of Lok Sabha Elections on March 10. The social media heads and representatives who attended the meeting included Mahima Kaul from Twitter, Piyush Poddar and Chetan Krishnaswamy from Google, Sasha Mathew from WhatsApp, Shivnath Thujral from Facebook, Chitrita Chatterjee from Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), Berges Y Malu from Share Chat , Apruva Mehta from Tiktok and Nagesh Banga from Bigo TV. The meeting was also attended by Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra and Ashok Lavasa. President of Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) Subho Roy was also present in the meeting. Earlier March 6, The Chairman of Parliamentary Committee on Information Technology, Anurag Thakur had said that social media giants Facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram have accepted that there is a need for corrective measures to keep a check on posts that lead to communal tensions, incite violence or pose threat to national security. Thakur made these remarks after meeting with officials of Facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram. Even prior to that, following concerns by various political parties, Thakur had allowed Colin Crowell, Vice President and Global Policy Head of Twitter to appear before the committee on February 6 and had directed the micro-blogging site to ensure no interference of foreign entities in Indian elections.

Lok Sabha polls: Chief Election Commissioner meets with social media heads on Model Code of Conduct

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-is-all-about-stability-versus-vulnerability-pm-modi-200614">The 2019 Lok Sabha elections</a> are to be held in seven phases starting April 11.&nbsp;The announcement was made Sunday by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora.&nbsp;

The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23.&nbsp;

Arora said Sunday that 91 constituencies would go to the polls in the&nbsp;first phase, 97 in the second,&nbsp;115 in the&nbsp;third, 71 in the&nbsp;fourth, 51 in the&nbsp;fifth, 59 in the sixth, and 59 in the&nbsp;seventh and last phase.

He added that assembly polls would be held along with the Lok Sabha polls in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElection2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElection2019</a>: Phase1 polling in- Andhra, Arunachal, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal, Kerala, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Sikkim, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andaman&amp;Nicobar, Dadra&amp;Nagar Haveli, Daman&amp;Diu, Lakshadweep, Delhi, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand. <a href="https://t.co/oyPRgeUAMK">pic.twitter.com/oyPRgeUAMK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1104719122032545794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sunil Arora, Chief Election Commissioner: Total electorate in this Lok Sabha elections will be 900 million, of which 15 million voters are in the 18-19 age group. <a href="https://t.co/LyqvJtu3gQ">pic.twitter.com/LyqvJtu3gQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1104710119978196992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

It had been speculated that simultaneous&nbsp;polls would also be held in Jammu and Kashmir. Elections, after the dissolution of the state assembly, have to be held in the state before the end of May but Arora said Sunday that polls would not be held in J&amp;K along with the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Arora said Sunday that 900 million people would be eligible to vote in 2019, with 15 million of them being in the age group of 18 to 19 years.&nbsp;

Arora added that a total of 10 lakh polling booths would be put up for the elections (an increase of 1 lakh from the 2014 elections) and that VVPAT machines (used to detect election fraud) would be housed in all polling booths.

Arora added Sunday that the model code of conduct was now in effect.

Among other things, the code bars the government from announcing policy decisions.&nbsp;

After the chief election commissioner's announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished "all political parties and candidates the very best for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Wishing all political parties and candidates the very best for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. 
 
We may belong to different parties but our aim must be the same- the development of India and empowerment of every Indian!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1104723091245027333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The last five years have shown that with the blessings and participation of 130 crore Indians, what was earlier deemed impossible has now become possible. 
 
2019 polls are about a spirit of confidence and positivity with which India is fulfilling the aspirations of its people.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1104723275190394889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He tweeted that "we may belong to different parties but our aim must be the same — the development of India and empowerment of every Indian!"

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held in seven phases starting April 11. The announcement was made Sunday by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora. The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19.

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held in seven phases starting April 11. The announcement was made Sunday by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora. The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23. Arora said Sunday that 91 constituencies would go to the polls in the first phase, 97 in the second, 115 in the third, 71 in the fourth, 51 in the fifth, 59 in the sixth, and 59 in the seventh and last phase. He added that assembly polls would be held along with the Lok Sabha polls in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. #LokSabhaElection2019: Phase1 polling in- Andhra, Arunachal, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal, Kerala, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Sikkim, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andaman&Nicobar, Dadra&Nagar Haveli, Daman&Diu, Lakshadweep, Delhi, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand. pic.twitter.com/oyPRgeUAMK — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2019 × Sunil Arora, Chief Election Commissioner: Total electorate in this Lok Sabha elections will be 900 million, of which 15 million voters are in the 18-19 age group. pic.twitter.com/LyqvJtu3gQ — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2019 × It had been speculated that simultaneous polls would also be held in Jammu and Kashmir. Elections, after the dissolution of the state assembly, have to be held in the state before the end of May but Arora said Sunday that polls would not be held in J&K along with the Lok Sabha elections. Arora said Sunday that 900 million people would be eligible to vote in 2019, with 15 million of them being in the age group of 18 to 19 years. Arora added that a total of 10 lakh polling booths would be put up for the elections (an increase of 1 lakh from the 2014 elections) and that VVPAT machines (used to detect election fraud) would be housed in all polling booths. Arora added Sunday that the model code of conduct was now in effect. Among other things, the code bars the government from announcing policy decisions. After the chief election commissioner's announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished "all political parties and candidates the very best for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections". Wishing all political parties and candidates the very best for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. We may belong to different parties but our aim must be the same- the development of India and empowerment of every Indian! — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 10, 2019 × The last five years have shown that with the blessings and participation of 130 crore Indians, what was earlier deemed impossible has now become possible. 2019 polls are about a spirit of confidence and positivity with which India is fulfilling the aspirations of its people. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 10, 2019 × He tweeted that "we may belong to different parties but our aim must be the same — the development of India and empowerment of every Indian!"

Lok Sabha polls to be held in seven phases from April 11, results on May 23

A delegation of senior BJP leaders have decided to meet Chief Election Commissioner on Monday to register a complaint&nbsp;about West Bengal government blocking rallies of senior party leaders in the state.

The move has come after the West Bengal government led by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/yogi-adityanath-addresses-rally-in-west-bengal-via-audio-link-after-his-chopper-was-denied-permission-194825">Mamata Banerjee denied permission</a> for the landing of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath's chopper in the state on Sunday.

Following the denial, Adityanath addressed rallies&nbsp;via&nbsp;video&nbsp;link at&nbsp;Raiganj and&nbsp;Balurghat in the state.

"The TMC government didn't allow me to come and meet you all. That is why I had to resort to Digital India of Modi-ji to address you. This TMC government is anti-people, anti-democratic and have compromised with national security," PTI quoted Adityanath as saying.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A delegation of senior BJP leaders to meet Chief Election Commissioner on Monday. BJP will complain about West Bengal govt blocking rallies of senior BJP leaders. <a href="https://t.co/KNR5F7hc7t">pic.twitter.com/KNR5F7hc7t</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092094820300906496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The West Bengal government had earlier in January also refused landing permission&nbsp;to BJP president&nbsp;Amit Shah's chopper. The government had cited ongoing "upgradation" of the Malda area.

Shah was however granted permission later to address a rally.

&nbsp;

A delegation of senior BJP leaders have decided to meet Chief Election Commissioner on Monday to register a complaint about West Bengal government blocking rallies of senior party leaders in the state.

A delegation of senior BJP leaders have decided to meet Chief Election Commissioner on Monday to register a complaint about West Bengal government blocking rallies of senior party leaders in the state. The move has come after the West Bengal government led by Mamata Banerjee denied permission for the landing of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath's chopper in the state on Sunday. Following the denial, Adityanath addressed rallies via video link at Raiganj and Balurghat in the state. "The TMC government didn't allow me to come and meet you all. That is why I had to resort to Digital India of Modi-ji to address you. This TMC government is anti-people, anti-democratic and have compromised with national security," PTI quoted Adityanath as saying. A delegation of senior BJP leaders to meet Chief Election Commissioner on Monday. BJP will complain about West Bengal govt blocking rallies of senior BJP leaders. pic.twitter.com/KNR5F7hc7t — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × The West Bengal government had earlier in January also refused landing permission to BJP president Amit Shah's chopper. The government had cited ongoing "upgradation" of the Malda area. Shah was however granted permission later to address a rally.

BJP to meet Chief Election Commissioner, complain about West Bengal government blocking its rallies

Amid the opposition parties demand for a return to the ballot boxes in the electoral process ahead of the Lok Sabha elections alleging EVM tampering, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora clearly stated that they are not going back to the ballot boxes.

“We have been using EVMs for more than two decades now. No way are we going back to the ballot boxes. Some political parties demanded that VVPATs be used in all polling booths. Some parties demanded that results from all EVMs be matched with VVPAT slips. Commission has informed the political parties that VVPATs will be used in all polling booths countrywide in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections,” said Arora, adding, “The commission has firm belief and convinced that EVM and VVPAT machines are secure and have proved effective on all the parameters. As per extant practice, VVPAT slips will be matched with EVM vote count in one randomly selected polling station of each assembly segment of a parliamentary constituency.”

He further added that for the first time, the state will have VVPATs across all the polling booths. “For the first time in the entire state, VVPATs will also be used at all polling booths along with the EVM machines. Thus the officers need to ensure due awareness to all stakeholders about proper usage of the machines. The officers were also asked to strictly adhere to the laid down procedures and Standard Operating Procedures about use, storage and transportation of the machines in all the constituencies.”

Arora, along with the Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa led the full bench of Election Commission of India to conduct a two-day review of poll preparedness in the state of West Bengal.

During the visit, the Commission met with representatives of various political parties and noted their issues and concerns. The Commission took note of their concerns for holding free, fair and peaceful elections. The Commission reviewed the work of District Election Officers, Commissioner of Police/SPs, and discussed election preparedness with Chief Secretary, DGP, Home Secretary and other senior Officials of the State.

On the second day of the visit, the ECI officials met the Nodal officers of Income Tax, Excise, Commercial Tax departments and with State Level Bankers Committee convener to review in detail the strategy to curb misuse of money/drugs/liquor and gifts distribution during the election.

Amid the opposition parties demand for a return to the ballot boxes in the electoral process ahead of the Lok Sabha elections alleging EVM tampering, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora clearly stated that they are not going back to the ballot boxes.

Amid the opposition parties demand for a return to the ballot boxes in the electoral process ahead of the Lok Sabha elections alleging EVM tampering, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora clearly stated that they are not going back to the ballot boxes. “We have been using EVMs for more than two decades now. No way are we going back to the ballot boxes. Some political parties demanded that VVPATs be used in all polling booths. Some parties demanded that results from all EVMs be matched with VVPAT slips. Commission has informed the political parties that VVPATs will be used in all polling booths countrywide in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections,” said Arora, adding, “The commission has firm belief and convinced that EVM and VVPAT machines are secure and have proved effective on all the parameters. As per extant practice, VVPAT slips will be matched with EVM vote count in one randomly selected polling station of each assembly segment of a parliamentary constituency.” He further added that for the first time, the state will have VVPATs across all the polling booths. “For the first time in the entire state, VVPATs will also be used at all polling booths along with the EVM machines. Thus the officers need to ensure due awareness to all stakeholders about proper usage of the machines. The officers were also asked to strictly adhere to the laid down procedures and Standard Operating Procedures about use, storage and transportation of the machines in all the constituencies.” Arora, along with the Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa led the full bench of Election Commission of India to conduct a two-day review of poll preparedness in the state of West Bengal. During the visit, the Commission met with representatives of various political parties and noted their issues and concerns. The Commission took note of their concerns for holding free, fair and peaceful elections. The Commission reviewed the work of District Election Officers, Commissioner of Police/SPs, and discussed election preparedness with Chief Secretary, DGP, Home Secretary and other senior Officials of the State. On the second day of the visit, the ECI officials met the Nodal officers of Income Tax, Excise, Commercial Tax departments and with State Level Bankers Committee convener to review in detail the strategy to curb misuse of money/drugs/liquor and gifts distribution during the election.

Not going back to the ballot boxes: Chief Election Commissioner

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Friday sought an explanation from the Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar after he skipped the two-day Election Commission’s review meeting in the state.

“Kolkata Police commissioner was replaced by the special commissioner. We asked him where was he and said that he doesn’t know the whereabouts of the commissioner and added that he had been asked to attend the meet. We have sought an explanation from the controlling officer of the Police Commissioner. They will give us in writing why he skipped the meet,” said Arora, adding “Someone told me it was his birthday.”

&nbsp;According to sources, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) had asked the ADG Law and Order to convey to the Kolkata Police Commissioner that he must attend the meet on the second day, however, he stayed away today too. Reacting strongly to the move of the Kolkata Police Commissioner staying away from the meeting, the CEC sought an explanation from the home secretary – the controlling officer of the police commissioner.

On being quizzed whether the present prevailing conditions in the state are conducive to hold free and fair polls, the CEC said that there is room for improvement.

Sources reveal that commission was unhappy with the police in relation to the execution of non-bailable warrants. “The Commission has directed the District Magistrates and police officers to carefully look into law and order concerns. They have been asked to ensure speedy execution of non-bailable warrants (NBWs) and speedy disposal of pending cases of the electoral offences from last elections,” added Arora.

The full bench of Election Commission of India (ECI) was on a two-day visit to Kolkata to review poll preparedness in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

On the first day of the visit, the Election Commission officials held a meeting with all the political parties in the state. The second meeting was held with all the district Superintend of Police, District Magistrate and DEOs. The third meeting was held with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and nodal officers from the Bengal Police.

On the second day, the Election Commission held meetings with the Excise department, IT department, transport department. Later in the day, the commission held a meeting with the West Bengal Chief Secretary and Director General of West Bengal Police.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Friday sought an explanation from the Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar after he skipped the two-day Election Commission’s review meeting in the state.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Friday sought an explanation from the Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar after he skipped the two-day Election Commission’s review meeting in the state. “Kolkata Police commissioner was replaced by the special commissioner. We asked him where was he and said that he doesn’t know the whereabouts of the commissioner and added that he had been asked to attend the meet. We have sought an explanation from the controlling officer of the Police Commissioner. They will give us in writing why he skipped the meet,” said Arora, adding “Someone told me it was his birthday.” According to sources, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) had asked the ADG Law and Order to convey to the Kolkata Police Commissioner that he must attend the meet on the second day, however, he stayed away today too. Reacting strongly to the move of the Kolkata Police Commissioner staying away from the meeting, the CEC sought an explanation from the home secretary – the controlling officer of the police commissioner. On being quizzed whether the present prevailing conditions in the state are conducive to hold free and fair polls, the CEC said that there is room for improvement. Sources reveal that commission was unhappy with the police in relation to the execution of non-bailable warrants. “The Commission has directed the District Magistrates and police officers to carefully look into law and order concerns. They have been asked to ensure speedy execution of non-bailable warrants (NBWs) and speedy disposal of pending cases of the electoral offences from last elections,” added Arora. The full bench of Election Commission of India (ECI) was on a two-day visit to Kolkata to review poll preparedness in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. On the first day of the visit, the Election Commission officials held a meeting with all the political parties in the state. The second meeting was held with all the district Superintend of Police, District Magistrate and DEOs. The third meeting was held with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and nodal officers from the Bengal Police. On the second day, the Election Commission held meetings with the Excise department, IT department, transport department. Later in the day, the commission held a meeting with the West Bengal Chief Secretary and Director General of West Bengal Police.

CEC seeks explanation from Kolkata Police commissioner over his absence in poll review meet

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora has said — categorically — that the Election Commission is going to continue to use electronic voting machines. He added that they would <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/evm-hacking-claim-centre-alleges-congress-organised-hackathon-in-london-opposition-calls-for-switch-to-ballot-box-191969">not be "bullied" or "intimidated" into using ballot papers</a>.&nbsp;

Arora made his comments at an event in Delhi.&nbsp;

"I would like to make it very clear that we are not going back to the era of ballot papers," he said.&nbsp;

"We will continue to use EVMs (electronic voting machines) and VVPATs (voter-verified paper audit trail," he added. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
CEC Sunil Arora in Delhi: We will continue to use EVMs &amp; VVPATs. We are open to any criticism &amp; feedback from any stakeholder including political parties. At the same time, we are not going to be intimidated, bullied or coerced into giving up these and start era of ballot papers. <a href="https://t.co/bco5DOSfTd">pic.twitter.com/bco5DOSfTd</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1088306788225744896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"We are open to any criticism and feedback from any stakeholder including political parties. At the same time, we are not going to be intimidated, bullied or coerced into giving up these and start era of ballot papers," Arora said.&nbsp;

There has been a long history of criticism of EVMs in India, especially so since the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014. (The criticism however has never been backed up by solid proof.)&nbsp;

In 2017, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had dared the Election Commission to give him any EVM, saying he would hack it in 90 seconds.&nbsp;

And only this week, a self-proclaimed cyber expert, Syed Shuja, called a hackathon in London.&nbsp;

Shuja made a series of sensational claims in London, including that EVMs were hacked in the 2014 general elections and that&nbsp;senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde was "murdered" before he could expose the alleged crime.&nbsp;

The BJP has said the hackathon was sponsored by the Congress since party leader Kapil Sibal had attended it.&nbsp;

Despite the lack of proof offered by Shuja, a number of leaders including the BSP's Mayawati, the SP's Akhilesh Yadav, and the TDP's N Chandrababu Naidu have called for the junking of the EVMs and a return to ballot papers.&nbsp;

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora has said — categorically — that the Election Commission is going to continue to use electronic voting machines. He added that they would not be "bullied" or "intimidated" into using ballot papers.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora has said — categorically — that the Election Commission is going to continue to use electronic voting machines. He added that they would not be "bullied" or "intimidated" into using ballot papers. Arora made his comments at an event in Delhi. "I would like to make it very clear that we are not going back to the era of ballot papers," he said. "We will continue to use EVMs (electronic voting machines) and VVPATs (voter-verified paper audit trail," he added. CEC Sunil Arora in Delhi: We will continue to use EVMs & VVPATs. We are open to any criticism & feedback from any stakeholder including political parties. At the same time, we are not going to be intimidated, bullied or coerced into giving up these and start era of ballot papers. pic.twitter.com/bco5DOSfTd — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2019 × "We are open to any criticism and feedback from any stakeholder including political parties. At the same time, we are not going to be intimidated, bullied or coerced into giving up these and start era of ballot papers," Arora said. There has been a long history of criticism of EVMs in India, especially so since the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014. (The criticism however has never been backed up by solid proof.) In 2017, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had dared the Election Commission to give him any EVM, saying he would hack it in 90 seconds. And only this week, a self-proclaimed cyber expert, Syed Shuja, called a hackathon in London. Shuja made a series of sensational claims in London, including that EVMs were hacked in the 2014 general elections and that senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde was "murdered" before he could expose the alleged crime. The BJP has said the hackathon was sponsored by the Congress since party leader Kapil Sibal had attended it. Despite the lack of proof offered by Shuja, a number of leaders including the BSP's Mayawati, the SP's Akhilesh Yadav, and the TDP's N Chandrababu Naidu have called for the junking of the EVMs and a return to ballot papers.

Election Commission will not be 'bullied, intimidated' into going back to ballot papers: CEC

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sunil-arora-takes-charge-as-new-chief-election-commissioner-of-india-180847">The Election Commission</a> will make a fresh push for electoral reforms with the government, including making the filing of false declaration a ground for disqualification and putting a cap on expenditure by candidates in legislative council polls, in the coming days.

According to highly-placed sources in the poll panel, the EC top brass, at the planned meeting with Legislative Secretary G Narayana Raju after the end of the winter session of Parliament, will also ask the government to make bribery during the poll period a cognisable offence.

The winter session of Parliament will end on January 8.

While the Law Ministry is the administrative ministry for the EC, the Legislative Department is the nodal unit for issues related to the poll panel.

The sources said, the Commission would also ask the ministry to take a call on its demand to extend constitutional protection to the two election commissioners on the lines of the Chief Election Commissioner.

The President appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners after the Law Ministry initiates the file for their appointment.

A Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from the office only through impeachment by Parliament. The President can remove the ECs based on the recommendation of the CEC.

In its report on electoral reforms submitted in March&nbsp;2015, the Law Commission had proposed extending constitutional protection to the two ECs.

The EC had been pushing to extend constitutional protection to the election commissioners.

Another proposal that the EC would press for is making electoral law gender neutral for armed forces personnel.

As of now, an army man's wife is entitled to be enrolled as a service voter, but a woman army officer's husband is not, according to the provisions in the electoral law.

But a bill pending before the Rajya Sabha proposes to replace the term 'wife' with 'spouse', thus making the provision of gender neutral.

Members of the armed forces, central armed police forces, personnel of state police forces posted outside their state and employees of the Centre&nbsp; 
posted outside India are eligible to be enrolled as service voters.

"Much depends on Parliament. The bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha... It is a major electoral reform for service voters ahead of the Lok Sabha polls... We want government to get it passed at the earliest," an EC official said.

Referring to the issue of filing the false declaration, the sources said, as of now, it attracts a six months' jail term. But the EC wants to make it into an "electoral offence", they said.

Conviction in an electoral offence is a ground for disqualification. "Jail term of six months does not instil fear. Disqualification would," another official explained.

As of now, candidates contesting legislative council elections don't have a bar on campaigning expenses, which, the EC wants to put a cap on.

The expenditure should be half of what is allowed for candidates contesting assembly polls. Every state has a different expenditure limit based on its size, a number of voters and assembly seats.

As of today, bribery in elections is a non-cognisable offence where an investigation cannot take place without a magistrate's permission. The EC wants to make it a cognizable offence and bring in the category of "serious" crimes like murder, dowry, death,and rape.&nbsp;

The Election Commission will make a fresh push for electoral reforms with the government, including making the filing of false declaration a ground for disqualification and putting a cap on expenditure by candidates in legislative council polls, in the coming days.

The Election Commission will make a fresh push for electoral reforms with the government, including making the filing of false declaration a ground for disqualification and putting a cap on expenditure by candidates in legislative council polls, in the coming days. According to highly-placed sources in the poll panel, the EC top brass, at the planned meeting with Legislative Secretary G Narayana Raju after the end of the winter session of Parliament, will also ask the government to make bribery during the poll period a cognisable offence. The winter session of Parliament will end on January 8. While the Law Ministry is the administrative ministry for the EC, the Legislative Department is the nodal unit for issues related to the poll panel. The sources said, the Commission would also ask the ministry to take a call on its demand to extend constitutional protection to the two election commissioners on the lines of the Chief Election Commissioner. The President appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners after the Law Ministry initiates the file for their appointment. A Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from the office only through impeachment by Parliament. The President can remove the ECs based on the recommendation of the CEC. In its report on electoral reforms submitted in March 2015, the Law Commission had proposed extending constitutional protection to the two ECs. The EC had been pushing to extend constitutional protection to the election commissioners. Another proposal that the EC would press for is making electoral law gender neutral for armed forces personnel. As of now, an army man's wife is entitled to be enrolled as a service voter, but a woman army officer's husband is not, according to the provisions in the electoral law. But a bill pending before the Rajya Sabha proposes to replace the term 'wife' with 'spouse', thus making the provision of gender neutral. Members of the armed forces, central armed police forces, personnel of state police forces posted outside their state and employees of the Centre posted outside India are eligible to be enrolled as service voters. "Much depends on Parliament. The bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha... It is a major electoral reform for service voters ahead of the Lok Sabha polls... We want government to get it passed at the earliest," an EC official said. Referring to the issue of filing the false declaration, the sources said, as of now, it attracts a six months' jail term. But the EC wants to make it into an "electoral offence", they said. Conviction in an electoral offence is a ground for disqualification. "Jail term of six months does not instil fear. Disqualification would," another official explained. As of now, candidates contesting legislative council elections don't have a bar on campaigning expenses, which, the EC wants to put a cap on. The expenditure should be half of what is allowed for candidates contesting assembly polls. Every state has a different expenditure limit based on its size, a number of voters and assembly seats. As of today, bribery in elections is a non-cognisable offence where an investigation cannot take place without a magistrate's permission. The EC wants to make it a cognizable offence and bring in the category of "serious" crimes like murder, dowry, death,and rape.

Make false disclosure an 'electoral offence': Election Commission to tell Law Ministry

Sunil Arora took charge as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India on Sunday. Arora was appointed to office by President Ram Nath Kovind earlier this week, he succeeds OP Rawat who demitted office on Saturday.&nbsp;

A notification issued by the Law Ministry said the 62-year-old former bureaucrat would take over his new position Sunday.

Under Arora's leadership, the Election Commission will hold the 2019 general election.&nbsp;

A former bureaucrat, Sunil Arora was appointed as the election commissioner in August last year. He had been the information and broadcasting secretary, and secretary in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">Delhi: Sunil Arora takes charge as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India <a href="https://t.co/7ruBbg5MN5">pic.twitter.com/7ruBbg5MN5</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1069102058396098560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


A 1980-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, Mr Arora had worked in ministries such as finance, textiles and also at the Planning Commission.

A Chief Election Commissioner or an EC can have a tenure of six years or hold office till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The convention is to appoint the senior-most election commissioner as chief election commissioner.

(With inputs from PTI)

Sunil Arora took charge as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India on Sunday. Arora was appointed to office by President Ram Nath Kovind earlier this week, he succeeds OP Rawat who demitted office on Saturday.

Sunil Arora took charge as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India on Sunday. Arora was appointed to office by President Ram Nath Kovind earlier this week, he succeeds OP Rawat who demitted office on Saturday. A notification issued by the Law Ministry said the 62-year-old former bureaucrat would take over his new position Sunday. Under Arora's leadership, the Election Commission will hold the 2019 general election. A former bureaucrat, Sunil Arora was appointed as the election commissioner in August last year. He had been the information and broadcasting secretary, and secretary in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Delhi: Sunil Arora takes charge as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India pic.twitter.com/7ruBbg5MN5 — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2018 A 1980-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, Mr Arora had worked in ministries such as finance, textiles and also at the Planning Commission. A Chief Election Commissioner or an EC can have a tenure of six years or hold office till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The convention is to appoint the senior-most election commissioner as chief election commissioner. (With inputs from PTI)

Sunil Arora takes charge as new Chief Election Commissioner of India 

Senior IAS officer Sunil Arora appointed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) by President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday.

Sunil Arora is a 1980-batch IAS officer belonging to the Rajasthan cadre 
will be taking over on December 2 and will be in charge of the poll body when the 2019 general elections take place, media reports said.

Arora will be replacing OP Rawat for the post of the poll panel chief.

An EC or CEC has a tenure of six years. But if officers turn 65 before that, they demit office.

Sunil Arora had been the Information and Broadcasting Secretary, and Secretary in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

He has also worked in ministries and departments such as Finance, Textiles and Planning Commission.

He served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation during 1999-2002 and CMD, Indian Airlines for five years (two years as an additional charge and three years as full charge).

In Rajasthan, besides district postings in Dholpur, Alwar, Nagaur and Jodhpur, he was Secretary to the Chief Minister during 1993-1998 and Principal Secretary to CM (2005- 2008) and handled Information and Public Relations (IPR), Industries and Investment Departments.

Senior IAS officer Sunil Arora appointed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) by President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday. Sunil Arora is a 1980-batch IAS officer belonging to the Rajasthan cadre will be taking over on December 2 and will be in charge of the poll body when the 2019 general elections take place, media reports said.

Senior IAS officer Sunil Arora appointed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) by President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday. Sunil Arora is a 1980-batch IAS officer belonging to the Rajasthan cadre will be taking over on December 2 and will be in charge of the poll body when the 2019 general elections take place, media reports said. Arora will be replacing OP Rawat for the post of the poll panel chief. An EC or CEC has a tenure of six years. But if officers turn 65 before that, they demit office. Sunil Arora had been the Information and Broadcasting Secretary, and Secretary in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. He has also worked in ministries and departments such as Finance, Textiles and Planning Commission. He served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation during 1999-2002 and CMD, Indian Airlines for five years (two years as an additional charge and three years as full charge). In Rajasthan, besides district postings in Dholpur, Alwar, Nagaur and Jodhpur, he was Secretary to the Chief Minister during 1993-1998 and Principal Secretary to CM (2005- 2008) and handled Information and Public Relations (IPR), Industries and Investment Departments.

Sunil Arora appointed chief election commissioner, to take charge on 2 December

The Election Commission on Tuesday evening set up a committee of senior officials to probe the leak of the poll schedule for Karnataka before it was announced by the Chief Election Commissioner earlier today.

The committee, which has been asked to submit its report within a week, would also suggest steps needed to prevent any such eventuality in future.

In a statement, the poll watchdog referred to a tweet by BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya in which he had put out the election date minutes before CEC O P Rawat actually announced the schedule at a press conference.

Malviya tweeted that polls would be held on May 12 and counting will take place on May 18. While he was correct about the date of polling, he got the counting date wrong which will actually take place on May 15.

"The Commission immediately directed that the matter be probed and necessary and effective action be taken. Accordingly, Commission has constituted a committee of senior officers of Election Commission to investigate the matter and give its report within seven days.

"The Committee would also suggest steps needed to prevent any such eventuality in future. The Committee set up by the Commission has already sought information from the concerned media organisations and individuals," the statement read.

It said Malviya, in another tweet, had attributed a news channel as his source.

In his press conference to announce the poll schedule, OP Rawat had described the leak as a "very serious" issue that merited a probe and "stringent action".

He said people can conjecture but noted that as information has been "leaked", the Election Commission will probe the matter and take "stringent action" both "legally and administratively". 
&nbsp

In a statement, the poll watchdog referred to a tweet by BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya in which he had put out the election date minutes before CEC O P Rawat actually announced the schedule at a press conference

The Election Commission on Tuesday evening set up a committee of senior officials to probe the leak of the poll schedule for Karnataka before it was announced by the Chief Election Commissioner earlier today. The committee, which has been asked to submit its report within a week, would also suggest steps needed to prevent any such eventuality in future. In a statement, the poll watchdog referred to a tweet by BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya in which he had put out the election date minutes before CEC O P Rawat actually announced the schedule at a press conference. Malviya tweeted that polls would be held on May 12 and counting will take place on May 18. While he was correct about the date of polling, he got the counting date wrong which will actually take place on May 15. "The Commission immediately directed that the matter be probed and necessary and effective action be taken. Accordingly, Commission has constituted a committee of senior officers of Election Commission to investigate the matter and give its report within seven days. "The Committee would also suggest steps needed to prevent any such eventuality in future. The Committee set up by the Commission has already sought information from the concerned media organisations and individuals," the statement read. It said Malviya, in another tweet, had attributed a news channel as his source. In his press conference to announce the poll schedule, OP Rawat had described the leak as a "very serious" issue that merited a probe and "stringent action". He said people can conjecture but noted that as information has been "leaked", the Election Commission will probe the matter and take "stringent action" both "legally and administratively".

Election Commission sets up panel to probe Karnataka poll date leak

Om Prakash Rawat has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner, succeeding incumbent Achal Kumar Jyoti to the post, while ex-finance secretary Ashok Lavasa will be the new election commissioner.

Both of them will take charge from January 23.

A 1977-batch IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre. He was appointed to the Election Commission in August 2015.

Prior to his appointment as Election Commissioner of India, Rawat had retired as secretary, the ministry of heavy industries and public enterprises.&nbsp;

He had earlier also served as a director in the defence ministry in 1993.&nbsp;

During this tenure, he was deputed to South Africa in May 1994, as United Nations election observer to oversee first post-apartheid elections in the country.&nbsp;

Rawat has also served as principal secretary to the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh between 2004 and 2006.&nbsp;

Rawat has also served as principal secretary to the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh between 2004 and 2006.

Om Prakash Rawat has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner, succeeding incumbent Achal Kumar Jyoti to the post, while ex-finance secretary Ashok Lavasa will be the new election commissioner. Both of them will take charge from January 23. A 1977-batch IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre. He was appointed to the Election Commission in August 2015. Prior to his appointment as Election Commissioner of India, Rawat had retired as secretary, the ministry of heavy industries and public enterprises. He had earlier also served as a director in the defence ministry in 1993. During this tenure, he was deputed to South Africa in May 1994, as United Nations election observer to oversee first post-apartheid elections in the country. Rawat has also served as principal secretary to the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh between 2004 and 2006.

Om Prakash Rawat appointed as new Chief Election Commissioner

The Election commission today announced the dates for assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A K Joti said that there will be a single-phase election in Himachal Pradesh. The state will go to polls on November 9 and the counting will be held on December 18.

&quot;Model code of conduct for Himachal Pradesh assembly election comes into effect from now itself,&quot; the CEC said. &quot;Bulk SMSes &amp; voice messages on phone shall also be in purview of election advertisements,&quot; he added.

We will have VVPATs along with EVMs; height of voting compartments will be increased to 30 inches, CEC Joti said.

&quot;The election is mainly against the BJP and we know their strengths and&nbsp;weaknesses,&quot; Himachal chief minister&nbsp;Virbhadra Singh said.

&quot;They are relying on Modi. We are self-reliant and&nbsp;focused on development,&quot;&nbsp;the chief minister added.

The commission is soon expected to announce the dates for assembly elections in Gujarat. The CEC today said that Gujarat elections will be held before December 18.

Joti had said on Wednesday that voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) system will be used in over 50,000 booths in Gujarat. VVPAT was first used in Goa polls earlier this year.

The tenure of 182-member Gujarat assembly is due to end on January 22, 2018.

The term of the 68-member Himachal Assembly ends on January 7, 2018.&nbsp;

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A K Joti said that there will be a single-phase election in Himachal Pradesh.

The Election commission today announced the dates for assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A K Joti said that there will be a single-phase election in Himachal Pradesh. The state will go to polls on November 9 and the counting will be held on December 18. "Model code of conduct for Himachal Pradesh assembly election comes into effect from now itself," the CEC said. "Bulk SMSes & voice messages on phone shall also be in purview of election advertisements," he added. We will have VVPATs along with EVMs; height of voting compartments will be increased to 30 inches, CEC Joti said. "The election is mainly against the BJP and we know their strengths and weaknesses," Himachal chief minister Virbhadra Singh said. "They are relying on Modi. We are self-reliant and focused on development," the chief minister added. The commission is soon expected to announce the dates for assembly elections in Gujarat. The CEC today said that Gujarat elections will be held before December 18. Joti had said on Wednesday that voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) system will be used in over 50,000 booths in Gujarat. VVPAT was first used in Goa polls earlier this year. The tenure of 182-member Gujarat assembly is due to end on January 22, 2018. The term of the 68-member Himachal Assembly ends on January 7, 2018.

Himachal Pradesh assembly election on November 9, counting on December 18