Gyanesh Kumar
What is Congress alleging about the government's relationship with the Election Commission?
Congress has alleged that the government is seeking control over the Election Commission following Gyanesh Kumar's appointment as the new Chief Election Commissioner. According to the party, the government is prioritizing control of the electoral body over maintaining its credibility and independence. This allegation comes amid political tension surrounding Kumar's appointment, with opposition leader Rahul Gandhi raising concerns about the legality of the selection process due to ongoing Supreme Court challenges. The controversy is particularly significant as Kumar will oversee elections in five states and manage crucial national elections through January 2029.
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WION
01:52 - 02:03
Who has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India and who will he succeed?
Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as India's new Chief Election Commissioner, succeeding Rajiv Kumar who will be demitting office on February 18. The appointment was made following a meeting of the selection committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. Gyanesh Kumar, described as the senior-most of the two Election Commissioners, brings significant experience to this crucial constitutional position. His tenure will oversee important upcoming elections in India.
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WION
00:00 - 00:26
What is Gyanesh Kumar's tenure as Chief Election Commissioner of India and which major elections will he oversee?
Gyanesh Kumar will serve as Chief Election Commissioner until January 26, 2029, during which he will oversee 20 assembly elections across various Indian states. His tenure also includes responsibility for critical national electoral events, including the Presidential and Vice Presidential elections in 2027, and preparations for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Kumar's extended tenure places him in a pivotal position to influence India's democratic processes through multiple significant electoral cycles.
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00:40 - 00:58
Why is Rahul Gandhi opposing the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as Chief Election Commissioner?
Rahul Gandhi has issued a formal note of dissent against Gyanesh Kumar's appointment as Chief Election Commissioner, with the Congress party challenging the selection process in the Supreme Court. The matter is scheduled for hearing on Saturday. The party alleges that the government's primary motivation is to control the Election Commission rather than maintaining its independence and credibility. This opposition stems from concerns about the legality of the appointment procedure, suggesting that the government's actions threaten the commission's integrity and autonomy in overseeing fair elections.
Watch clip answer (00:20m)WION
01:39 - 01:59
Who has been appointed as India's new Chief Election Commissioner and what elections will they oversee?
Gyanesh Kumar, a senior IAS officer, has been appointed as India's new Chief Election Commissioner following a selection committee meeting comprising Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. Kumar will succeed Rajiv Kumar, who will be leaving office on February 18th. In his new role, Gyanesh Kumar will oversee elections in at least five states including opposition-ruled Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, as well as NDA-ruled Bihar and Assam. The Bihar election is specifically noted to be scheduled for later this year.
Watch clip answer (00:34m)WION
00:03 - 00:37
What is the educational and professional background of Gyanesh Kumar, India's new Chief Election Commissioner?
Gyanesh Kumar is an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and Harvard University, bringing prestigious academic credentials to his new role as Chief Election Commissioner. As a 1988 batch IAS officer from the Kerala Cadre, he has extensive administrative experience in the Indian government. Notably, Kumar served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2019, where he played a significant role in drafting the legislation that revoked Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in 2020. This background highlights his involvement in consequential constitutional matters prior to his appointment as Election Commissioner.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)WION
00:58 - 01:18