New Delhi, In a surprising move that has stirred the political waters of India, Arun Goel, the Election Commission of India’s second-in-command, has submitted his resignation ahead of the country’s general elections, leaving the Commission undermanned during a critical period.

According to Kashmir Media Service, this abrupt resignation leaves the Election Commission, tasked with orchestrating an electoral process for nearly one billion voters, with only one senior official. The Ministry of Law and Justice confirmed Goel’s departure but did not provide reasons, leading to widespread speculation and concern over the potential impact on the election’s integrity.

The resignation comes at a sensitive time, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking re-election for a third term. The lack of clarity on Goel’s resignation has fueled suspicions of governmental pressure, a sentiment echoed by K.C. Venugopal, the general secretary of the opposition Congress party. Venugopal’s comments have amplified concerns about the transparency and independence of the Election Commission, a vital institution in India’s democratic framework.

As the country anticipates the official election announcement, the incident has highlighted ongoing debates about the balance of power and the independence of electoral institutions in India, raising crucial questions about the democratic process in the world’s largest democracy.