India

CEC Gyanesh Kumar Assumes Office; Stresses Voting As Key To Nation-Building

Newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar assumed office on Wednesday. In his message to voters, he emphasized the importance of voting, calling it the first step toward nation-building.

Kumar reaffirmed the Election Commission’s commitment to voters, stating that it consistently upholds the Constitution, electoral laws, and relevant rules.

Addressing the media, Kumar stated, “First step for nation building is voting. Therefore, every citizen of India who has completed 18 years of age should become an elector and should always vote. In accordance with the Constitution of India, electoral laws, rules and instructions issued therein, the Election Commission of India was, is and will always be with the voters.”

A 1988-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, Gyanesh Kumar now leads the three-member panel that includes commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu of the Uttarakhand cadre and newly appointed Vivek Joshi, a 1989-batch IAS officer from Haryana.

Joshi officially took charge following a Ministry of Law & Justice Gazette notification dated 17 February 2025.

Meanwhile, Rajiv Kumar, who served as the 25th Chief Election Commissioner, bid farewell to the Election Commission on Tuesday. He referred to the institution as “the place of worship of democracy” and expressed optimism about its future under new leadership.

Rajiv Kumar highlighted the critical role voters and political parties play in strengthening Indian democracy and extended his best wishes to the electorate.

Speaking to ANI, Rajiv Kumar asserted, “This building is the place of worship of democracy. Through great hard work, it has amassed heritage in the last 75 years. I am very hopeful that in the time to come, this will rise higher than where it stands today. This is going to very capable hands. The new team will take it even higher.”

“The country’s democracy will remain strong and intact and will earn honour before the world. I hope that people will remember and learn lessons from Indian democracy and Indian elections. The biggest contribution towards this is by the voters and political parties. I wish all the best to everyone, all voters,” he further added.

According to the Election Commission’s statement, Rajiv Kumar joined the Election Commission of India as an Election Commissioner on 1 September 2020, and took over as the 25th Chief Election Commissioner on 15 May 2022.

His 4.5-year tenure saw significant reforms in various areas, including structural, technological, and administrative domains.

During his term, Rajiv Kumar oversaw a full electoral cycle, managing elections in 31 states and Union Territories, the 2022 Presidential and Vice Presidential elections, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and Rajya Sabha renewals.

The elections were conducted peacefully, with minimal instances of repolling or violence, the Commission reported.

Also Read: India & Qatar Sign Agreement To Strengthen Strategic Partnership

Mankrit Kaur

Recent Posts

India’s GST Collections Surge 9.9% To Rs 1.96 Lakh Crore In March

India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose by 9.9 per cent to Rs 1.96…

2 hours ago

What Happens When You Drink Coconut Water Daily For A Month?

Drinking coconut water daily for a month can significantly improve hydration, digestion, and overall health.

3 hours ago

METAPLASIA 2025: Where Sports Meet Transformation

The METAPLASIA 2025 Sports Fest at the New Chandigarh campus witnessed thrilling competitions in cricket,…

3 hours ago

Indian Railways Achieves Record Freight Loading & Revenue In Fiscal 2025

Indian Railways achieved record freight and revenue in 2025, surpassing the US in cargo transport…

4 hours ago

German Tourist Calls Delhi Metro ‘Better Than London Tube’ In Viral Post

German traveler Alex Welder praised the metro systems in Delhi and Agra, calling them 'better…

4 hours ago

EY Survey Highlights Indian CEOs’ Confidence In Technology And M&A For 2025 Growth

Indian CEOs are confident, focusing on emerging technologies and M&As for growth, according to the…

4 hours ago