Who is Gyanesh Kumar, and why has his sudden appointment as India’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) sparked controversy? Gyanesh Kumar, a former Additional Secretary, played a crucial role in drafting key bills for the Modi government, including the revocation of Article 370 and the formation of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust. Known to be close to Home Minister Amit Shah, he was frequently seen with him in Parliament. On February 18, in a midnight decision, the Modi government appointed him as the CEC. The selection panel included PM Narendra Modi, a Cabinet Minister, and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The decision was made by a 2-1 vote, with Rahul Gandhi walking out in protest, citing concerns over the timing—just a night before a crucial Supreme Court hearing on the CEC appointment process. In March 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the CEC should be chosen by a panel including the PM, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India (CJI). However, later that year, the Modi government passed a law replacing the CJI with a Cabinet Minister, effectively giving the ruling party control over the selection. This change was challenged in the Supreme Court, with a hearing scheduled for February 19, 2025. Amid this legal battle, the government rushed Kumar’s appointment, raising concerns about fairness in the electoral process. Opposition leaders argue that this move undermines democracy. Was this appointment a strategic political decision? How does it impact the upcoming elections? Watch this episode of Facts & Figures for an in-depth analysis.