Rajiv Kumar

February 18, 2025 10:49 PM

Former CEC Rajiv Kumar bids farewell, calls Election Commission ‘place of worship of democracy’

Rajiv Kumar, the 25th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, bid farewell to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday, hailing the institution as a “place of worship of democracy.” Expressing optimism about its future, he said he was confident that under the incoming leadership, the ECI would reach even greater heights. In his parting remarks, Kumar praised the pivotal role played by voters and political parties in strengthening Indian democracy. “This building is the place ...

February 18, 2025 8:39 AM

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as new Chief Election Commissioner

The Central government on Monday announced the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). He will be replacing Rajiv Kumar. Gyanesh Kumar is a 1988-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre and is senior to the two other commissioners on the three-member panel that was led by Rajiv Kumar. The other commissioner on the panel is Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, an officer from the Uttarakhand cadre and Vivek Joshi. The government also announced the appointment of Vivek Joshi as...

November 8, 2024 5:01 PM

CEC Rajiv Kumar condemns disrespectful remarks against women, orders strict action on violators

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has strongly condemned the use of undignified and derogatory remarks directed at women leaders during the ongoing election campaign in Maharashtra, urging officials to take firm and prompt action against such behavior. During a review meeting with District Election Officers, Police Commissioners, SPs, Municipal Commissioners, and Returning Officers, Kumar expressed serious concern over the use of language that undermines the dignity and respect of women. ...

October 15, 2024 4:59 PM

Jharkhand assembly elections to be held in two phases on Nov 13 and 20, results on Nov 23

The assembly elections in Jharkhand will take place in two phases – on November 13 and November 20 – while vote counting is scheduled for November 23, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced on Tuesday. Addressing a press conference, Kumar also said that polling in Maharashtra will be conducted in a single phase on November 20, with results to be declared on the same day as Jharkhand, November 23. A total of 2.60 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots in Jharkhand, inclu...

October 15, 2024 4:20 PM

Maharashtra to go to polls on Nov 20, results on Nov 23

Maharashtra will go to the polls in a single phase on November 20, with vote counting set for November 23, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced on Tuesday. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Kumar outlined the election timeline. The last date for filing nominations is October 29, with scrutiny scheduled for October 30. The deadline for the withdrawal of candidatures is November 4. The key contenders in the Maharashtra elections are the ruling Mahayuti Alliance, which inc...

October 3, 2024 6:46 PM

63.88% overall voter turnout recorded in Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Thursday that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir recorded an overall voter turnout of 63.88% in the recently concluded Assembly elections. The elections, held in three phases, were the first in the region since the abrogation of Article 370. The third phase of the elections, held on October 1, saw the highest voter participation, with a turnout of 69.69%. Phases 1 and 2 recorded polling percentages of 61.38% and 57.31%, respectively. Not...

September 16, 2024 5:35 PM

Indian elections are indeed a miracle, created world record of 642 million voters: CEC Rajiv Kumar

India recorded the highest voter turnout in the world during the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar said on Monday. Addressing a press conference, Kumar commended the voters who participated in the elections and said that the Indian elections are “indeed a miracle." "We have created a world record of 642 million voters. This is a historic moment for all of us. This is 1.5 times the voters of all G7 countries and 2.5 times the voters of 27 coun...

September 16, 2024 6:16 PM

PM Modi commends voters in J&K’s Anantnag-Rajouri LS constituency for record turnout

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the remarkable voter turnout in the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, which witnessed the highest polling percentage in the region in over three decades. Taking to X, the Prime Minister congratulated the people of the constituency for their "enthusiastic participation" and called it a "vibrant testament to their democratic spirit." "A very special congratulations to my sisters and brothers of Anantnag-Rajouri for the rec...

September 16, 2024 4:37 PM

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar granted ‘Z’ category CRPF security across India

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Central government has provided prestigious 'Z' category Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) security cover to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar across the country, sources said on Tuesday. Kumar's security was increased due to international threats, they added. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) made the decision following recent threat assessments from the Intelligence Bureau. The CRPF commandos would soon take over his security. The extended secu...