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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

Home Ministry convenes emergency meeting amid rising security concerns after Pahalgam terror attack

After the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, the Home Ministry convened a high-level meeting in Delhi as intense security operations unfold across Jammu and Kashmir.

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Amid heightened security concerns following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, the Ministry of Home Affairs convened a high-level meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Key officials attending the meeting include Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director Generals of the Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles, and the National Security Guard (NSG), along with senior representatives from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

Meanwhile, extensive counter-terrorism operations are ongoing at multiple locations across Jammu and Kashmir. Sources familiar with the matter noted that, due to the sensitive nature of these operations, no specific updates are currently being disclosed.

In a related development on Monday, the Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted raids at 13 locations in the Doda district, targeting terrorist hideouts and individuals suspected of links to terrorist activities.

Additionally, Srinagar Police carried out a series of extensive searches across the city. These operations focused on the residences of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and associates linked to banned terrorist outfits, as part of ongoing investigations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

According to a police statement, searches were conducted at the homes of 63 individuals. These operations were executed in accordance with legal procedures, under the supervision of Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses, aiming to collect evidence such as weapons, documents, and digital devices to thwart any potential conspiracies threatening national security.

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Family Man 3 actor Rohit Basfore found dead near Guwahati waterfall

Actor Rohit Basfore, part of Family Man 3, was found dead at Garbhanga Waterfalls. Initial police reports cite accidental drowning, but further investigation is ongoing.

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In a tragic turn of events, actor Rohit Basfore, known for his role in the upcoming third season of The Family Man, was found dead near the Garbhanga Waterfalls in Guwahati on Sunday, April 27. The incident has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community and among fans.

According to police reports, Basfore had gone on a picnic with nine colleagues when the mishap occurred. Officials from Rani Police Outpost stated that he allegedly fell into the waterfall around 2 pm. The authorities were alerted by 4 pm, and a rescue operation led by the SDRF team resulted in the recovery of his body at approximately 6.30 pm.

Initial findings suggest that Basfore died by accidental drowning, with the police currently not suspecting foul play. However, the final confirmation on the cause of death will depend on the awaited post-mortem report. Despite the preliminary conclusions, Basfore’s family members have voiced concerns over possible foul play, prompting further investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

In recent weeks, Rohit Basfore had shared glimpses from the set of Family Man 3 on his social media, expressing excitement about his experience. He posted photographs alongside co-actors Jaideep Ahlawat and Dalip Tahil, reflecting on his enthusiasm for learning and acting.

The Family Man series, a creation by Raj & DK for a leading OTT platform, stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role of Srikant Tiwari. The popular thriller debuted its first season in 2019, followed by a second season in 2021, and has gained a loyal fanbase awaiting its third chapter.

As the investigation continues, friends, fans, and colleagues mourn the untimely loss of a budding talent whose career was just beginning to blossom.

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PM Modi to chair crucial security meeting after Pahalgam attack

PM Modi will chair crucial security and cabinet meetings tomorrow to assess national preparedness after the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 dead in Jammu and Kashmir.

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PM Modi

In the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead a series of crucial meetings tomorrow to review India’s security preparedness.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the nation’s apex body for national security decisions, is scheduled to convene around 11 am. This will be the second high-level review since the tragic incident in Jammu and Kashmir.

Following the CCS meeting, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), chaired by the Prime Minister, will also gather to discuss political and strategic issues. Senior leaders, including Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Health Minister JP Nadda, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, will participate in the deliberations.

Later, the Cabinet’s Economic Affairs Committee will meet, culminating in a full cabinet session.

During the previous CCS meeting, held two days after the attack, the government placed security forces across the country on heightened alert and vowed strict action against those responsible. Measures taken included suspending the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, halting SAARC visas, closing the Wagah-Attari border, and downgrading diplomatic ties with Islamabad.

Additionally, Pakistani nationals residing in India were asked to return to their country, with a slight extension given to those holding medical visas until Tuesday. In retaliation, Pakistan announced the suspension of all bilateral agreements with India, including the historic Simla Agreement.

As tensions between the two countries escalate, tomorrow’s meetings are expected to chart the next course of action amid rising security concerns.

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