Just weeks before the Lok Sabha polls, Arun Goel resigned as the Election Commissioner.

New Delhi:

Arun Goel’s sudden resignation from the Election Commission just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections sparked a controversy yesterday. His exit leaves the Election Commission of India with only one official out of three – Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.

While he cited “personal reasons” in his resignation letter, sources told New Delhi TV that differences with the Central Election Commission may have prompted his exit.

The sudden announcement sparked a political firestorm, with Congress claiming Mr Goel’s departure showed the government was unwilling to ensure “free and fair elections”.

But this is not the first time that Arun Goel has made headlines.

Arun Goel, an IAS officer of the 1985 batch, took voluntary retirement on November 18, 2022. Just a day later, he assumed the post of election commissioner that had been vacant for six months. On his retirement from IAS, he served as Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries.

The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging Goel’s appointment, arguing that the appointment was arbitrary and undermined the institutional integrity and independence of the Election Commission of India. The ADR argued that Mr Goel’s foresight to seek voluntary retirement before his appointment raised questions about the entire process.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court also expressed concerns about the pace of his appointment. The judges questioned the “rush” with which the law minister and prime minister recommended Mr Goel, stressing the need for a transparent and thoughtful process.

However, in August 2023, the court dismissed the petition, saying that the constitutional bench had previously considered the issue and decided not to cancel the appointment.

The Election Commission is expected to announce the date for the 2024 general elections by March 13, but sources said Mr Goel’s withdrawal could delay the announcement.