Election Commissioner Arun Goel Resigns Ahead Of Lok Sabha Polls

In a surprising development just weeks before the Lok Sabha polls, Election Commissioner Arun Goel has tendered his resignation, which has been duly accepted by the President of India. With Goel's departure, the Election Commission of India, which already had a vacancy, will now be left with only Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar as the sole member of the electoral body.

The resignation of Arun Goel comes at a time when the three-member Commission was already down to two members following the retirement of Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey in February. 

In pursuance of clause (1) of Section 11 of The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, the President is pleased to accept the resignation tendered by Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with… pic.twitter.com/XSlvd2v7Dh

— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2024

The sudden resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about its timing and underlying reasons, as he had three years left in his tenure. Goel's decision to step down from his role in the Election Commission comes at a crucial juncture, with the country gearing up for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

ALSO READ: 'Lok Sabha Polls Road To Oust Corrupt TMC': PM Modi Attacks Mamata Govt At Mega Siliguri Rally 

Goel, a former IAS officer, assumed office as the Election Commissioner on November 21, 2022. His appointment sparked controversy as he was the Union Heavy Industries Secretary when he opted for voluntary retirement from the Indian Administrative Services on November 18, 2022, and was subsequently appointed to the Commission the following day.

Born on December 7, 1962, in Patiala, Goel holds an M. Sc. in Mathematics and was awarded the Chancellor's Medal of Excellence for achieving First Class First throughout all examinations at Punjabi University. He also holds a Post-Graduate degree with Distinction in Development Economics from Churchill College, University of Cambridge, England, and has received training at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, USA.

ALSO READ: BJP Finalises Alliance With TDP, Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena In Andhra Pradesh: 'Will Be A Clean Sweep,' Says Naidu

Having served as an Indian Administrative Service officer of the 1985 batch, Punjab cadre, Goel assumed the charge as Secretary in the Ministry of Heavy Industry, Government of India, after more than 37 years of service.