India’s second-highest ranked election commission official has resigned, the justice ministry said, days before the expected announcement of general elections in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will seek a third term. Arun Goel resigned Saturday, leaving the Election Commission of India with only one of its three top officials to conduct what will be the largest exercise of the democratic franchise in human history. The NDTV news network said Goel had resigned due to “personal reasons”, citing sources. The dates for the election, conducted in several phases, are likely to be announced next week, according to local media reports. Venugopal, general secretary of the main opposition Congress party, said Goel’s resignation was a concern.

Source: The Guardian March 10, 2024 20:17 UTC