Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA and former Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday sharply criticized the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, alleging that the process lacked transparency and fairness.
In an X post, Aaditya Thackeray responded to the appointment, stating, "This appointment - not free and fair. Just like the elections conducted in our country." He went on to attack the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), highlighting the lack of independence in the electoral process. "The most important post in our electoral process, determining whether the voice of the people remains free from fear, is appointed by the ruling party," he said, questioning the credibility of the elections. "How can the elections be free and fair?" he added.
This appointment- not free and fair. Just like the elections conducted in our country.
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) February 18, 2025
The most important post in our electoral process, determining the voice of the people remaining free from fear, is appointed by the ruling party.
How can the elections be free and fair? https://t.co/y0IdYnE57v
Thackeray's criticism comes amid growing concerns and opposition from various political parties over the government's decision to appoint Gyanesh Kumar as CEC, following the retirement of the current CEC, Rajiv Kumar, on Tuesday. The Congress party, which has raised objections to the process, called for the postponement of the appointment until the Supreme Court hears a petition on the constitution of the selection panel on February 19.
Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, in a press conference, accused the government of attempting to exclude the Chief Justice from the selection process. "By removing or trying to keep the Chief Justice out of the appointment (of CEC), the government has made it clear they want only control but not credibility. The most important thing for the Election Commission is credibility," Singhvi said.
Also joining the criticism, Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale targeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In an X post, Gokhale quipped, "Congratulations to Sh Amit Shah on becoming India's new Chief Election Commissioner. The nation is confident that under your able leadership, the goal of reducing ECI to a wing of BJP will be successfully achieved." He further added a “friendly warning” about the upcoming 2026 elections in Bengal, stating, “Be careful of Bengal 2026. You won't succeed.”
