CEC Rajiv Kumar Retirement: Impactful Tenure with Highs, Lows
Today marks the end of an era as Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar steps down after a tenure that saw him overseeing 31 assembly elections and the Lok Sabha election in 2024. Rajiv Kumar will be succeeded by Gyanesh Kumar, who has been serving as the election commissioner since March of the previous year.
Kumar, a retired 1984-batch IAS officer from the Bihar-Jharkhand cadre, began his journey at the poll panel on September 1, 2020, taking over as Election Commissioner from Ashok Lavasa, who had resigned amid differences with then CEC Sunil Arora during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Lavasa was next in line for the CEC position.
The Highs: A Legacy of Silent Reforms and Monumental Feats
Rajiv Kumar’s tenure at the helm of the election commission was marked by a series of significant achievements and innovations. Most notably, he took over as CEC on May 15, 2022, succeeding Sushil Chandra. Under his leadership, the poll panel successfully conducted the 2022 elections for the President and Vice President, setting the stage for a series of groundbreaking initiatives.
In December 2022, Kumar’s team introduced the concept of remote voting, aiming to facilitate the participation of migrant workers in the electoral process. This move, while well-intentioned, faced pushback from political parties concerned about the practicality and security implications of remote voting. Despite its challenges, this initiative showcased Kumar’s commitment to inclusive and accessible elections.
Throughout his tenure, the Election Commission under Rajiv Kumar implemented a wide range of reforms across various domains, including structural, technological, capacity development, communication, international cooperation, and administration. This comprehensive approach to electoral management resulted in a smooth and peaceful electoral cycle, with minimal incidents of violence or repolls.
The Criticism: Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned
Despite his many accomplishments, Rajiv Kumar also faced criticism and challenges during his tenure. One notable incident was the resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel in March 2024, just before the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections. This raised questions about potential internal conflicts within the Election Commission.
During the Lok Sabha Elections in 2024, Kumar issued notices to the presidents of the BJP and Congress parties over alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct by their respective leaders. This move, unprecedented in its scope, underscored Kumar’s commitment to upholding electoral integrity and fairness.
In addition to these challenges, the poll panel under Rajiv Kumar also faced scrutiny over delays in releasing voter turnout data and accusations of bias towards the ruling party. These criticisms, while difficult to navigate, provided valuable lessons and opportunities for growth within the electoral process.
A Legacy of Service and Dedication
In his farewell speech, Rajiv Kumar reflected on the challenges and triumphs of his tenure, emphasizing the importance of upholding the integrity and independence of the Election Commission. He highlighted the Commission’s role as a “scapegoat” for those unwilling to accept electoral outcomes, calling attention to the need for greater respect and understanding in the post-election landscape.
Rajiv Kumar, known for his passion for trekking, quest for knowledge, and devotion to family, leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication to the electoral process. His unique blend of professionalism, empathy, and humor, as showcased in his Urdu couplets during press conferences, made him a relatable and respected figure in the realm of electoral governance.
As Rajiv Kumar passes the torch to his successor, Gyanesh Kumar, the lessons learned and milestones achieved during his tenure will continue to shape the future of the Election Commission and the democratic process at large. His commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and integrity will serve as a lasting legacy for generations to come.
