The resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel on Saturday night not only came as surprise but has paved way for speculations and doubts over the conduct of fair and free polls in the country.Why should an Election Commissioner quit with only days left for the announcement of the Lok Sabha polls, especially when his tenure ends only on December 5, 2027. If he had not resigned, he would have become Chief Election Commissioner.Arun Goel has reportedly cited “personal reasons” for his resignation. Reports quoting officials said that Goel is in perfect health.A law ministry notification said that Arun Goel’s resignation has been accepted by President Droupadi Murmu with effect from Saturday, March 9, 2024.With the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey in February and Goel’s resignation, the three-member Election Commission is now reduced to only one member, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.Under the new law governing the appointment of Chief Election Commissioners and Election Commissioners, a search committee led by the law minister and comprising two union secretaries will compile a list of five candidates.
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