A meeting of PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and Arjun Meghwal will be held on February 17, 2025, to select the new Chief Election Commissioner following Rajiv Kumar's tenure.
Chief Election Commissioner: The Ministry of Law has convened a three-member committee meeting on February 17, 2025, to select the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). The meeting will include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. This meeting is significant as the term of the current Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, is ending on February 18, 2025.
Rajiv Kumar's Appointment and Tenure
Rajiv Kumar was appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner in May 2022. Under his leadership, the Election Commission successfully conducted the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. Additionally, peaceful assembly elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir after a gap of more than a decade during his tenure.
Rajiv Kumar's Success and Election Management
As Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar oversaw several crucial elections. Following the Lok Sabha elections, assembly elections were held in Maharashtra, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Delhi this year. In 2023, elections were also conducted in Karnataka, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, showcasing his leadership capabilities.
Rajiv Kumar's Retirement Plans
While announcing the dates for the Delhi elections in January 2025, Rajiv Kumar also shared his retirement plans. He humorously mentioned that due to 13-14 years of work, he hadn't had time for his personal life. Now, after retirement, he plans to travel to the Himalayas, where he will spend four to five months in solitude for meditation.
A Crucial Step Towards Appointing the New Election Commissioner
This meeting is crucial for appointing the new head of the Election Commission after Rajiv Kumar's tenure ends. This process marks the first implementation of the provisions of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Service Conditions and Term of Office) Act, 2023, making the appointment process more transparent and systematic.
