PM Modi-led panel meets to finalise new CEC; Rahul Gandhi Walks Out

New Delhi: A high-level panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened on Monday (February 17, 2025) to finalize the name of India’s next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), despite opposition from the Congress. The three-member committee, which included Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, met at the Prime Minister’s official residence. Sources confirmed that the panel reached a decision and sent the chosen name to President Droupadi Murmu for approval. However, the Congress strongly objected to proceeding with the appointment before the Supreme Court’s scheduled hearing on February 19, which will review the legality of the new selection process.

According to Congress sources, Rahul Gandhi exited the meeting after submitting his objections in writing, expressing concerns about the fairness of the appointment mechanism.

Later, at a press conference, the Congress reiterated its stance, arguing that the new law created a “partisan” and “non-neutral” selection process. The party had urged the government to delay the decision until after the court ruling, but the meeting proceeded as planned. The development is likely to intensify the political battle over electoral reforms, with the opposition viewing the new law as an attempt to undermine the independence of the Election Commission.