Congress flags CEC selection, says should be deferred until SC hearing

A high-stakes meeting of the selection committee to choose the next chief election commissioner (CEC) was held on Monday, just a day before incumbent Rajiv Kumar’s retirement.

The Congress, however, raised strong objections, demanding that the decision be deferred until the Supreme Court hears the matter on 19 February.

The selection panel — comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi — met to finalise Kumar’s successor.

Despite Gandhi attending the meeting, the Congress pushed for its postponement, citing the impending Supreme Court verdict on the composition of the committee.

Congress: Centre wants control, not credibility

Congress treasurer and Rajya Sabha MP Ajay Maken condemned the government’s move, saying, “The Supreme Court is set to hear this issue day after tomorrow. The meeting should have been postponed. The BJP government has already removed the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, making it clear they seek control over the Election Commission, not its credibility.”

The criticism stems from a significant change in the selection process. Until recently, the CEC and election commissioners were chosen by a committee that included the CJI.

However, under a new law passed by the BJP-led government, the panel now consists of the prime minister, the law minister, and the leader of the Opposition — giving the executive greater control over the process.

Congress calls it a blow to democracy

By sidelining the judiciary in the selection process, the Congress alleges that the Modi government is attempting to politicise the Election Commission, a body crucial for ensuring free and fair elections in the world’s largest democracy.

"The new law — The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act — introduced by the Modi government in 2023 for the selection of the chief election commissioner has been challenged in the Supreme Court. The stand of the Congress regarding the selection of the chief election commissioner is very clear: the meeting held today regarding the election of the CEC should be postponed," Singhvi said.

"The Modi government should file a petition in the Supreme Court that the hearing related to the CEC election should be held soon. The Congress will fully support the government in this. The Modi government should set aside its ego and accept this demand," he added.

With Rajiv Kumar’s exit, election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is likely to become the senior-most member of the poll body, to serve until January 2029. Kumar is also known to be close to Union home minister Amit Shah.

While the CEC is formally appointed by the President, the recommendation of the selection panel is binding. The Supreme Court’s hearing on Tuesday is expected to set the tone for the next chapter in this high-stakes constitutional and political battle.