Arun Goel

EC Arun Goel resigns days before Lok Sabha schedule, leaving one-member Commission

The President accepted Arun Goel's resignation with effect from 9 Mar 2024 under Section 11(1) of the 2023 Act, leaving CEC Rajiv Kumar as the Commission's only member days before the general election schedule was expected. No reason was given officially.

Goel could not be reached for comment (DH). The Wire, citing NDTV, reported differences between Goel and CEC Rajiv Kumar on a file; the NDTV report was not opened and neither man confirmed it. Newslaundry dated the resignation 6 Mar; the notification date is 9 Mar. Congress and TMC called the timing deeply concerning. PTI (DH, 11 Mar 2024) says he resigned on the morning of Friday 8 Mar and it was accepted on Saturday 9 Mar; The Tribune says he resigned on Saturday. DH (9 Mar) says the Commission did not comment.

• TIER 3 · PRESSElection Commissioner Arun Goel steps down ahead of Lok Sabha electionsThe Tribune2024-03-10“tendered by Shri Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from 9th March, 2024”
• TIER 3 · PRESS