Just as India’s electoral process gears up, a bombshell resignation has plunged it into turmoil. EC member Arun Goel sent in his papers days before poll dates were announced.
While sources cited “personal reasons,” did simmering tensions with CEC Rajiv Kumar also play a role? Goel’s abrupt exit left the Commission in a precarious position with crucial decisions looming.
Now begins the politicized process of appointing replacements. But opposition leaders smell a rat, accusing the government of undermining independent institutions.
With the prevailing system allowing the ruling party undue influence, will free and fair elections even be possible? Asked Congressman Mallikarjun Kharge.
Alarm bells are ringing as two EC vacancies emerge on the eve of the world’s biggest democratic exercise. Have constitutional watchdogs been rendered toothless by design? Wonders TMC’s Saket Gokhale.
As questions multiply over the indecent haste and lack of clarity, all eyes will be on whether India’s election integrity can withstand ongoing meddling with its sentinels. The health of its democracy seems to hang in the balance.
