KC Venugopal: “Govt Doesn’t Want Free And Fair Election”

Expressing astonishment at the sudden resignation of the Election Commissioner just before the Lok Sabha polls, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal voiced concerns, stating that the entire nation is apprehensive about the upcoming elections. Venugopal also remarked that the government is not inclined towards ensuring a “free and fair election.”

Arun Goel, the Election Commissioner, tendered his resignation on Saturday, and the President accepted it. In response to the development, Venugopal told ANI, “This is quite shocking; just before the declaration of elections, the Election Commissioner has resigned. Now, only one Election Commissioner is there… What is happening in this Election Commission? The entire country is anxious. The government of India doesn’t want a free and fair election.”

He further criticized the transparency of the electoral process, citing the removal of the Chief Justice of India from the selection body of the Election Commission and Election Commissioner. Venugopal noted that a cabinet minister replaced the Chief Justice of India, making it a government affair and compromising transparency in the process.

Arun Goel, who assumed the role of Election Commissioner of India on November 21, 2022, has served in various capacities, including Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Vice-Chairman, Delhi Development Authority; Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Labour and Employment; and Joint Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. The Lok Sabha polls are scheduled for April-May this year.

Earlier in the day, Venugopal expressed concerns about Goel’s resignation, highlighting the lack of transparency in the functioning of the Election Commission. He stated, “It is deeply concerning for the health of the world’s largest democracy that Election Commissioner Arun Goel has resigned on the cusp of the Lok Sabha elections.”

In a post on ‘X,’ the Congress leader criticized the government for pressuring constitutional institutions like the Election Commission. Venugopal also took a swipe at the BJP-led government, recalling the dissent of Mr. Ashok Lavasa during the 2019 elections and suggesting a disregard for democratic traditions by the current regime. The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled for April-May this year.