According to sources, it is anticipated that the selection committee could convene either on March 13 or 14, contingent upon the availability and convenience of its members. The appointments to fill the vacancies for two election commissioners are expected to be finalized by March 15.
The imminent appointments stem from the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey and the unforeseen resignation of Arun Goel. Goel's resignation, tendered on Friday morning, was subsequently accepted by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, with a notification issued by the Law Ministry to formalize the decision.
This development leaves Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar as the solitary member of the electoral authority, following Pandey's retirement on February 14 upon reaching the age of 65.
The process of appointing the new election commissioners involves a search committee led by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, alongside the Home Secretary and the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). This committee is tasked with compiling two separate panels of five names each for the vacant positions.
Subsequently, a selection committee chaired by the Prime Minister, in conjunction with a Union minister and the Leader of the Congress party in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, will identify and recommend two individuals for appointment as election commissioners. Ultimately, the President will formalize the appointments.
Sources indicate that the selection committee's meeting dates are tentative, depending on the scheduling convenience of its members. The appointments are projected to be finalized by March 15, marking a significant step in the electoral process.
Previously, the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) was subject to a different process, with appointments made by the President based on the government's recommendation. The most senior member would typically assume the role of CEC as per convention.
Responding to inquiries regarding Goel's resignation, sources speculated that personal reasons may have prompted his decision. They dismissed notions of discord between Goel and Kumar, citing internal communication records, minutes, and decisions that purportedly indicated no dissent from Goel.
The departure of Goel, a seasoned bureaucrat, from the electoral commission comes after he did not attend a critical meeting between the EC and top officials from the Home Ministry and Railways to strategize the deployment and movement of central forces across India for poll duty.
