Rajiv Kumar, who assumed office as the 25th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on May 15, 2022, is all over the Internet after he announced the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Rajiv Kumar succeeded Sushil Chandra and took charge at the Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi, following the Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India’s Gazette Notification dated May 12, 2022.
Prior to his appointment as CEC, Rajiv Kumar served as an Election Commissioner from September 1, 2020. He joined the Election Commission after retiring as the Chairman of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) in April 2020. Kumar, a retired 1984-batch IAS officer from the Bihar/Jharkhand cadre, had a distinguished career in the Indian Administrative Service before joining the Election Commission.
In pursuance of clause (2) of article 324 of the Constitution, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Rajiv Kumar as the Chief Election Commissioner with effect from the 15th May, 2022.
My best wishes to Shri Rajiv Kumar pic.twitter.com/QnFLRLiVPm— Kiren Rijiju (मोदी का परिवार) (@KirenRijiju) May 12, 2022
CEC Rajiv Kumar made waves when he during the Lok Sabha Election 2024 schedule announcement shared an impromptu poetry. Rajiv Kumar said, “Jhooth ke bazaar mei raunak toh bohot hai, goya bul bule jaisi hi turant hi phat jati hai, pakad bhi loge toh kya hasil hoga sivaye dokhe ke. (In the market of lies, there is much splendor, as if it were a bubble that bursts immediately, and if you try to catch it, what will you gain except deceit.)”
“EVM shayari” by the Chief Election Commissioner to those who do EVM propaganda every time 😂pic.twitter.com/QvVTn33ixc
— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) March 16, 2024
During his tenure as Election Commissioner, Kumar oversaw several state assembly elections, including those in Bihar, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of free and fair elections and ensuring the purity of electoral rolls.
Upon assuming the role of CEC, Rajiv Kumar expressed his honour in leading one of India’s finest institutions, dedicated to reinforcing democracy. He highlighted the Election Commission’s commitment to employing democratic methods, consultations, and consensus-building to bring about reforms and adapt to evolving contexts. Kumar stressed the Commission’s readiness to make tough decisions when necessary.
Additionally, Kumar emphasized the role of technology in simplifying electoral processes, enhancing transparency, and improving voter services for effective election management.
As a retired civil servant with expertise in finance, corporate affairs, public policy, and law, Kumar brings a wealth of experience to his role as CEC. He served as the finance secretary in the Union government before his appointment to the Election Commission. Known for his low profile and avoidance of conflicts, Kumar is expected to oversee upcoming state assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls with diligence and impartiality.
