Political Tensions Rise Over Midnight CEC Appointment

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on the midnight appointment of the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). Gandhi called the decision 'disrespectful', while Pradhan accused Congress of past constitutional manipulations, asserting no laws were violated in the current process.

In a dramatic escalation, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday launched a scathing critique of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his condemnation of the recent appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). The process, conducted at midnight, has sparked controversy, with Gandhi labeling the move as 'disrespectful' and 'discourteous', occurring amid ongoing legal scrutiny in the Supreme Court.

The CEC appointment of Gyanesh Kumar took place late Monday night, after a meeting of the Prime Minister-led selection committee. Gandhi, as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, had urged the government to postpone its decision, highlighting the matter’s forthcoming hearing in the Supreme Court scheduled for February 19.

Accusations flew as Pradhan, responding on the platform known as X, accused Congress of hypocrisy, noting past constitutional abuses for political gains. He argued that no laws were violated with the new process which, for the first time, involves a joint appointment system under a law passed by Parliament, including participation from the Leader of Opposition.