New Delhi (10.03.2924): Resignation of Arun Goel (Retd IAS: 1995: PB) from the post of Election Commissioner last night has necessitated for the ruling dispensation to appoint two new ECs in the poll panel. The resignation of Goel has left Rajiv Kumar (Retd IAS: 1984: JH) as a lone ranger in the Poll Panel couple of days before election dates are announced.

What would be the face of the full bench of Election Commission of India to complete the democratic process by May 2024? Probable faces doing rounds include former Chief of the Enforcement Directorate Sanjay Kumar Mishra (Retd IRS IT: 1984), former CBDT Chief P C Mody (Retd IRS IT: 1982) and JB Mohapatra (Retd IRS IT L: 1985).

Further, the incumbent NIA Chief Dinkar Gupta (IPS: 1986: PB) and names of a few other IAS officers retired in recent past and retiring in next few months, including Radha S Chauhan (IAS: 1988: UP), are also doing rounds as probable faces in the Poll Panel. Sources say that approximately 32 officers across services and batches have been trying hard for the coveted positions. But trying hard is a disqualification for any key positions in the NaMo dispensation.

Now, the appointment of Election Commissioners will be done by the collegium comprising the Prime Minister as Chairperson; the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha as Member and; a Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister as another member. The bill of appointing Election Commissioners was passed in December 2023 dropping CJI.

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Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigns; exit at lightning speed as his entry