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Opposition slams Gyanesh Kumar’s appointment as Chief Election Commissioner, Congress calls it government’s control move

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Opposition reacts to Gyanesh Kumar’s appointment as CEC

The Congress party has raised serious concerns over the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), questioning the urgency behind the decision while the matter is still under judicial review.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress MPs Pramod Tiwari, and Manickam Tagore strongly criticized the move, alleging that the government’s swift action bypassed scrutiny and undermined the democratic process.

Congress calls appointment a violation of constitutional spirit

Reacting sharply, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari termed the move a “contempt of the Supreme Court” and an attack on the Constitution’s core values.

“In a democracy, elections should not only be fair but should also appear to be fair. This appointment, while the Supreme Court is still hearing the matter, raises serious concerns about transparency,” said Tiwari.

Congress leader Manickam Tagore also condemned the appointment, stating that democracy “deserves better.”

“The government’s hasty midnight appointment of the new CEC undermines the spirit of our Constitution and free elections. As LoP Rahul Gandhi rightly said, this should have waited for the SC hearing on February 19,” he posted on X.

Rahul Gandhi’s objection to appointment process

Rahul Gandhi had earlier raised objections regarding the selection process of the CEC, criticizing the government-dominated panel responsible for appointments. During the selection committee meeting, he reportedly submitted a dissent note expressing concerns over the removal of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the selection panel.

Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal also alleged that the government acted hastily to “circumvent Supreme Court scrutiny.”

“This appointment was done before a clear order could come from the apex court, raising questions about the ruling regime’s intentions. The government is destroying the electoral process and bending the rules for its own benefit,” Venugopal remarked.

First CEC under new appointment law

Gyanesh Kumar is the first Chief Election Commissioner to be appointed under the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.

His tenure will last till January 26, 2029, just before the Election Commission is expected to announce the next Lok Sabha election schedule.

Congress leaders argue that given the significant changes in the selection law, the government should have waited for the Supreme Court’s verdict before making the appointment.

New election commissioner also appointed

Alongside Gyanesh Kumar, Dr Vivek Joshi has been appointed as an Election Commissioner. He will assume office as per the notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Meanwhile, Rajiv Kumar, the outgoing Chief Election Commissioner, is set to demit office on February 18, making way for Gyanesh Kumar’s appointment.

Political impact and Supreme Court’s role

The Supreme Court is set to hear the matter regarding the selection of election commissioners on February 19, where further developments in the case are expected.

With opposition parties raising concerns over electoral transparency and fairness, the government’s decision is likely to remain a contentious issue ahead of the 2024 General Elections.

India News

Blasts outside defence establishments in Punjab within 2 hours trigger security alarm

Two explosions near defence-linked locations in Punjab within two hours have triggered alarm and heightened security across the state.

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Two explosion incidents reported within a span of around two hours near key defence-linked locations in Punjab have raised serious security concerns and triggered political reactions.

The first incident took place near the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters in Jalandhar, where a blast involving a delivery scooter was reported in a populated area. The proximity of the explosion to a sensitive security installation immediately drew the attention of authorities.

Shortly after, another blast was reported near a military-linked area in Amritsar, further heightening concerns over security preparedness in the border state. Police and security agencies responded swiftly, deploying bomb disposal squads and forensic teams at both locations.

Officials confirmed that no casualties were reported in either incident. However, the back-to-back nature of the explosions caused panic in nearby areas and prompted authorities to place the state on high alert.

Political leaders reacted strongly, questioning the handling of security and pointing to possible lapses. They urged authorities to take preventive steps to avoid such incidents in the future.

Punjab, being a strategically important border state, remains sensitive to such developments. Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the explosions and whether there are any links between the two incidents.

Security has been tightened around key installations, with agencies assessing whether the blasts were isolated events or part of a broader threat.

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Retired bureaucrats appointed by Mamata Banerjee barred from Bengal offices ahead of BJP government formation

Retired bureaucrats appointed under Mamata Banerjee have been barred from government offices as West Bengal prepares for a BJP-led administration.

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In a significant administrative development following the West Bengal Assembly election results, several retired bureaucrats appointed during the tenure of Mamata Banerjee have reportedly been barred from entering state government offices.

The decision comes at a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party is preparing to form its first government in the state after securing a decisive mandate. The move is seen as part of the transition process as the outgoing administration makes way for the incoming regime.

Officials indicated that the restrictions apply specifically to retired personnel who had been given contractual or advisory roles under the previous government. These individuals have now been asked not to access offices or handle official work.

The development follows a broader directive issued by the state administration to ensure that no official documents or records are removed, damaged, or tampered with during the transition period. Authorities have emphasised strict accountability, placing responsibility on departmental heads to safeguard files and maintain proper records.

The political backdrop to this move is the sweeping victory of the BJP in the 2026 West Bengal elections, marking a major shift in the state’s political landscape after years of Trinamool Congress rule.

With the new government expected to take charge soon, administrative reshuffling and tightening of access to government infrastructure are being viewed as measures to ensure a smooth and transparent handover of power.

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Vijay expresses gratitude to Modi, Rahul Gandhi for congratulatory messages after poll victory

Vijay thanked PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi after his party’s strong Tamil Nadu poll performance, promising governance focused on public welfare.

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Actor vijay

Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for congratulating him on his party’s strong performance in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026.

Vijay, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), acknowledged the wishes shared by both leaders following the party’s impressive electoral debut, which has significantly altered the political landscape of Tamil Nadu.

Responding to the Prime Minister on social media platform X, Vijay said that his party’s focus would remain on public welfare and development. He emphasised that governance should rise above political differences and aim at improving the lives of the people.

“The well-being of our people remains our only goal… we shall focus on the state’s progress and welfare,” he said, while also expressing hope for support from the Union government in achieving these objectives.

The TVK has emerged as a major political force in the state, breaking the long-standing dominance of traditional parties and marking a major shift in Tamil Nadu’s political dynamics.

According to early developments, the party has staked claim to form the government and may seek additional support if required to prove its majority in the assembly.

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