"Deeply concerning": KC Venugopal on EC Arun Goel's resignation ahead of LS Polls

New Delhi [India], March 9 : Soon after the resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said that it is 'deeply concerning' for the health of the world's largest democracy that Election Commissioner has resigned on the cusp of the Lok Sabha elections.
Earlier today, Goel resigned from the post of Election Commissioner ahead of upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
"It is deeply concerning for the health of the world's largest democracy that Election Commissioner Mr. Arun Goel has resigned on the cusp of the Lok Sabha elections. There is absolutely no transparency in how a constitutional institution like the ECI has been functioning and the manner in which the government pressurises them," Venugopal said in a post on 'X'.
Attacking the BJP-led government, the Congress leader added, "During the 2019 elections, Mr. Ashok Lavasa had dissented against a clean chit to the PM for violating the Model Code of Conduct. Later, he faced relentless inquiries. This attitude shows the regime is hellbent on destroying democratic traditions."
"This must be explained, and the ECI must be completely non-partisan at all times," he added.
The president accepted Goel's resignation, earlier in the day.
Goel assumed charge as Election Commissioner (EC) of India on November 21, 2022.
He has also worked as Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Vice-Chairman, Delhi Development Authority; Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Labour and Employment; and Joint Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
The Lok Sabha polls are slated to be held in April-May this year.