'...How Can Election Be Free & Fair?': Aaditya Thackeray Slam Gyanesh Kumar's Appointment As CEC

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA and former Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray slammed the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India.

Responding to the appointment in an X post, Aaditya said, "This appointment - not free and fair. Just like the elections conducted in our country."

Attacking BJP, Aaditya further said, "The most important post in our electoral process, determining whether the voice of the people remains free from fear, is appointed by the ruling party."

"How can the elections be free and fair?" he questioned. Aaditya's attack on the BJP, the ruling party at the Centre, comes amid criticism from opposition parties against the Centre's decision to appoint the new CEC as current CEC Rajiv Kumar retired on Tuesday.

The Congress party on Monday asked the government to adjourn the meeting to select the new Chief Election Commissioner until the Supreme Court hears a petition on the constitution of the selection panel on February 19.

The Congress' statement came soon after a meeting of the three-member selection committee, which was also attended by Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha.

Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi alleged in a press conference, "By removing or trying to keep the Chief Justice out of the appointment (of CEC) process as an independent entity, the government has made it clear they want only control but not credibility. The most important thing for the Election Commission is credibility."

Joining the Congress in attacking the Centre, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale took a jibe at Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In an X post, Gokhale said, "Congratulations to Sh Amit Shah on becoming India's new Chief Election Commissioner. The nation is confident that under your able leadership, the goal of reducing ECI to a wing of BJP will be successfully achieved."

"Friendly warning: be careful of Bengal 2026. You won't succeed," he added.