Rajiv Kumar's Tenure Ends On February 18, PM Modi-Chaired Panel To Meet Next Week To Name New CEC

(MENAFN- Live Mint) With Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar 's tenure ending on February 18, a high-level selection panel headed by the prime minister is likely to meet on Monday to finalise the name of the next CEC, say sources.

The selection committee headed by the prime minister includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghan, and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

The panel also comprises Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The meeting is likely to take place at the prime minister's official residence.

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The panel will recommend a name from among the candidates shortlisted by a search committee.

The president will then appoint the next CEC based on the recommendation.

Gyanesh Kumar is the senior-most election commissioner after Rajiv Kumar. His tenure is till January 26, 2029. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu is the other election commissioner.

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So far, the senior-most election commissioner (EC) was elevated as CEC following the retirement of the incumbent. However, after a new law on appointments of the CEC and ECs came into force last year, a search committee shortlisted names of five secretary-level officers for consideration by the prime minister-led panel for appointment to the posts.

Besides the CEC, a new EC could also be appointed to fill the vacancy created by Rajiv Kumar's retirement.

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In January 2025, while addressing a presser to announce the Delhi Assembly elections, Rajiv Kumar revealed his intention to 'detoxify' himself and spend several months in solitude in the Himalayas after retirement.

“I will detoxify myself for the next four-five months, go to the deep Himalayas, be away from the glare of all of you. I need some 'ekant' (solitude) and 'swadhyay' (self-study),” said Kumar, sharing his post-retirement plans with an introspective touch.

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