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.
