An avoidable row has been created over the appointment of the new Chief Election Commissioner – adding to the fears of manipulations of this august office by the Modi government. In the first place, propriety demanded that the government wait for a day or two more in view of the Supreme Court fixing a hearing on the selection process for February 19 — a day before the end of tenure of CEC Rajiv Kumar. While admitting that it was in the order of things to have selected a new CEC before the exit of the incumbent, the central government’s decision could be viewed as an affront to the chief judicial authority. That the apex court decided to urgently hear the case was proof that there was merit in the submissions. The affront did not stop there. In a surprising move, the government has removed the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel. The presence of CJI was a reassurance so far that the selection process is fair and based on merit.
While it is true that Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi is a part of the panel, its composition now heavily weighs in favour of the government. Apart from the Prime Minister, the home minister and law minister are its members, apart from the opposition leader. Rahul Gandhi, on his part, posted a dissenting note and objected to the exclusion of the CJI from the panel. That apart, how the apex court would view this affront and alleged attempt at miscarriage of justice remains to be seen. The case itself was for a widening of the selection panel so as to balance interests and avoid selection of a governmental puppet. While the lot fell on senior bureaucrat Gyanesh Kumar, the row is bound to gain more steam. The Opposition today carries more strength in Parliament than in the past. On the other hand, Modi is running a government not on his own strength, but being at the mercy of two regional parties – the JDU and Telugu Desam.
With suspected attempts at manipulating the CEC selection process, a stronger shadow of suspicion will be cast on future elections. The recent assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh had produced surprising verdicts. Even a political veteran like Sharad Pawar had raised suspicion of foul play through EVMs. The then CEC had vehemently denied such allegations. Modi obviously does not carry with him the trust that the nation had reposed in him in previous years, as was evident from his failure to win a majority in the 2024 parliament polls. His actions would be subjected to closer scrutiny now – a time when he has obliquely stated that he does not intend a retirement too soon. He’s welcome to carry on and on, but what’s important is, he must not attempt to sabotage the systems.
