Gyanesh Kumar assumes charge as CEC; Vivek Joshi as EC

SC defers hearing on pleas against CEC, ECs appointments

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Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday assumed office as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, succeeding Rajiv Kumar, who demitted office a day earlier. Alongside, Vivek Joshi took charge as an Election Commissioner, completing the three-member Election Commission along with Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.

Kumar, who was appointed an Election Commissioner in March 2024, was elevated to the position of CEC on Monday. Speaking after assuming charge, he underscored the importance of voting in a democracy.

"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," Kumar stated. He further asserted, "The Election Commission was, is, and will always be with the voters."

During his tenure as the CEC, Kumar will oversee crucial electoral events, including the Bihar Assembly elections later this year. The Kerala and Puducherry Assembly elections in 2026 will also come under his purview, along with the high-stakes polls in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal the same year. Additionally, he will oversee the Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections in 2027.