The Election Commission of India (ECI) will unveil the much-awaited dates for the Lok Sabha elections at 3 PM today. Monumental announcements for the state assembly elections in Odisha, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh will coincide with this forum, also paving the way for a nationwide implementation of the Election Code of Conduct. According to insider information, there is an expectation that the Lok Sabha elections will unfold over seven to eight phases. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with newly appointed commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, are slated to make the official declaration.
Shortly after Arun Goel's resignation from the office of Election Commissioner, the new commissioners assumed charge last Friday. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar welcomed the two commissioners, Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, in a ceremonial initiation on Friday morning. This development came after a protracted political storm, with official details regarding the appointments emerging on Thursday.
Gyanesh Kumar, who recently retired as the Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, had served from its inception. The Ministry of Cooperation falls under Home Minister Amit Shah's purview. Prior to this, Gyanesh Kumar played a crucial role in the Home Ministry's Kashmir Division as the Joint Secretary, notably during the abrogation of Article 370.
1988-batch Kerala cadre officer, Gyanesh Kumar
Gyanesh Kumar notably contributed to the reconfiguration of Jammu & Kashmir as a Union Territory. His active involvement in crafting the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Bill left a distinct imprint during his tenure. His journey in the Home Ministry saw him ascend to the role of Additional Secretary. Gyanesh belongs to the prestigious 1988-batch of Kerala cadre IAS officers.
How Many Phases Were the Last Two General Elections Conducted in?
It's noteworthy that the 2019 Lok Sabha elections unfolded across seven phases, commencing on April 11 and culminating on May 19, with results announced on May 23. In comparison, the 2014 Lok Sabha elections had been declared on March 5, taking place over nine phases from April 7 to May 12.
