Kapil Sibal Criticizes Government’s Move to “Pack the Commission with Yes Men” Following Election Commissioner’s Resignation

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Former Union Minister and Independent Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has raised concerns over the state of key institutions in India, criticizing the government’s influence in light of Election Commissioner Arun Goel’s recent resignation.

In a social media post on Sunday morning, Sibal voiced apprehensions regarding the government’s impact on crucial institutions by appointing individuals who align with its agenda. He wrote on X, “Election Commission, Arun Goel quits, Way cleared to: Pack the Commission with Yes men. This applies to all institutions that are the foundations of our Republic!”

President Droupadi Murmu accepted Arun Goel’s resignation on Saturday, creating a vacancy in the Election Commission of India just ahead of the impending Lok Sabha polls. With Goel’s departure, only Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar remains in his position.

The sudden resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel has prompted reactions from various quarters, with Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal expressing shock and concern. Venugopal remarked that the nation is anxious about the forthcoming elections and accused the government of hindering the possibility of a “free and fair election.”

Speaking to ANI, Venugopal highlighted the unusual timing of Goel’s resignation, raising questions about the government’s motives. He criticized recent changes in the composition of the Election Commission, including the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the selection body, and asserted that transparency has been compromised in the process.

Arun Goel’s tenure with the Election Commission began on November 19, 2022, when he was appointed as an Election Commissioner. His swift transition to the role of Chief Election Commissioner within 24 hours, following voluntary retirement, filled a vacancy that had persisted for over six months. A distinguished civil servant with a background in the Indian Administrative Service, Goel had previously served in key positions, including as the heavy industries secretary and in the Union Culture ministry.

The circumstances surrounding Arun Goel’s resignation have sparked debates about the independence and integrity of India’s democratic institutions, raising concerns about the erosion of transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

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