New Delhi: Election Commissioner of India, Arun Goel, resigned from his post just weeks ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. The resignation comes as a surprise, considering the Election Commission is expected to announce the dates for the general elections, likely to be held in April and May.
“In pursuance of clause (1) of Section 11 of The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, the President is pleased to accept the resignation tendered by Shri Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from the 09th March, 2024”, an official statement from the Ministry of Law and Justice read.
President accepts the resignation tendered by Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from the 9th March 2024: Ministry of Law & Justice pic.twitter.com/88tuyXm4uP
— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2024
Arun Goel, a retired Punjab-cadre IAS officer from the 1985 batch, was scheduled to conclude his tenure as Secretary of the Ministry of Heavy Industries on December 31, 2022. However, approximately six weeks before his scheduled retirement, Goel opted for voluntary retirement from service (VRS), which was granted on November 18, 2022.
Immediately following his retirement, he was appointed as an Election Commissioner, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Sushil Chandra, effective the next day.