The appointment of Gyanesh Kumar Chief Election Commissioner of India has drawn sharp reactions, particularly because of his controversial role in facilitation of the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories in August 2019.   According to Kashmir Media Service, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the appointment “disrespectful” and “discourteous” also because the selection process is under the scrutiny of Indian Supreme Court.   

He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for making a unilateral decision despite objections from the opposition.  As an additional secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs between 2018 and 2021, Gyanesh Kumar played controversial role in the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, which facilitated the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of occupied Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.

Kumar played a pivotal role in the Modi government’s policy shift on Kashmir, a move widely criticized by Kashmiris and international observers.  His appointment as the country’s top election official has raised concerns about the credibility of electoral body. Political observers fear that under Kumar’s leadership, elections could be manipulated to further the BJP’s political agenda in India and Kashmir.  With Kashmir’s controversial past, his tenure as CEC will remain a subject of heightened debate, particularly during elections in India and occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)