28

Feb

New CEC’s Appointment Raising Ugly Questions

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Gopal Misra

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New Delhi | Friday | 28 February 2025

Kash Patel, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, has been approved by the US Senate to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has successfully appointed Gyanesh Kumar as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), a move seen as an attempt to secure institutional support amid declining political influence. This strategy has drawn comparisons to Pakistan, where election commissions are often accused of manipulation.

Previously, the Indian government ensured the removal of election commissioner Ashok Lavasa, known for his integrity, before he could be elevated to the position of CEC. Reports suggest his family members were implicated in a tax investigation to pressure him. Lavasa had drawn the ruling party’s ire for scrutinizing election code violations and unaccounted money recovered from the ruling party’s funds.

In Washington, Patel’s confirmation was met with opposition, as two Republican Senators, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, voted against him. Despite this, Patel remains determined to cleanse the FBI and assist Krishti Noem, who has been approved as Homeland Security Secretary. Some Democrats and Republicans fear Patel will expedite investigations into political corruption and child sex trafficking, a crime linked to Jeffrey Epstein and prominent figures like former President Bill Clinton.

Following his confirmation, Patel assured Senator Marsha Blackburn that he would hold criminals accountable, including politicians involved in exploiting young girls. His confirmation marks a turning point in the US political landscape, as his tenure could lead to a crackdown on corruption and human trafficking networks.

 

Column at a Glance
Kash Patel, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, has been approved by the U.S. Senate to lead the FBI, despite opposition from two Republican senators. Patel aims to reform the agency and expedite investigations into corruption and child sex trafficking, a crime linked to high-profile figures, including former President Bill Clinton.
Meanwhile, in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed Gyanesh Kumar as Chief Election Commissioner, a move seen as an attempt to bolster institutional support amid political decline. Modi's government has faced criticism for bypassing democratic norms, particularly after failing to secure a majority in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The article highlights the contrasting political landscapes in the U.S. and India, with both leaders facing scrutiny over their governance and adherence to democratic principles.

 

 In India, the BJP’s political dominance suffered a setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, securing only 240 seats in the 543-member House. Instead of resigning as per parliamentary convention, Modi swiftly formed a coalition under the National Democratic Alliance (N DA) and was ratified as the leader of the BJP parliamentary party. His reluctance to step down and seek a fresh mandate has raised concerns among political analysts, including those within his own party.

Modi’s governance has also been scrutinized due to allegations against 100 BJP MPs facing criminal charges, including murder and rape. Despite media support, accusations of external funding to oust the BJP have fueled further controversy. Indian news channels have quoted Donald Trump about a supposed $21 million campaign against the party, though they have failed to provide proper context.

Before consolidating his leadership, Modi secured alliances with the Telugu Desam Party, Janata Dal (United), and a faction of the Shiv Sena under the NDA banner, ensuring stability for his minority government.

Political Strategies and Legislative ManeuversModi also moved to eliminate the Chief Justice of India’s role in selecting the election commissioner by passing a new law before the Supreme Court could review it. This expedited Gyanesh Kumar’s appointment just a day before the apex court hearing on the matter.

Simultaneously, in the US, Patel’s appointment was secured by a narrow Senate vote of 51-49, granting him a 10-year tenure. His confirmation signals a potential shift in America’s law enforcement priorities, particularly in tackling organized crime and human trafficking.

India’s government is also working to dilute laws meant to ensure transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, the FBI and Homeland Security in the US are set to intensify campaigns against sextortion, which has surged by 700% in recent years. This crime, linked to high-profile Americans including Bill Gates and Rupert Murdoch, has been largely overlooked due to their connections with Epstein. Reports suggest these individuals frequently traveled on Epstein’s private jet with teenage girls and stayed at his luxury properties. Epstein was convicted but later found dead in his New York jail cell.

Back in India, Modi ensured Lavasa’s peaceful transition to the Asian Development Bank, and the tax inquiry against his family was quietly dropped to prevent potential leaks of offshore investments linked to BJP leaders.

With Patel at the helm of the FBI, Trump’s political base is energized. More political upheavals are expected in both the US and India in the coming weeks, as new revelations and power struggles unfold on both sides.

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A veteran journalist Gopal Misra has worked for national and international journals. His books on journalism and geopolitics have been well-appreciated. Views are personal.

 

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