New Delhi, 19 February (HS): Newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar took over as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Wednesday morning. Earlier, he was appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner on Monday. Former Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar retired on 18 February.

After taking charge this morning, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that the first step to national service is voting. Every citizen of India, who has completed 18 years of age, must vote.

1988 batch IAS officer Gyanesh Kumar is the first Chief Election Commissioner to be appointed under the new law for the appointment of members of the Election Commission. His tenure will be till January 26, 2029.

During the four-year tenure of Gyanesh Kumar, elections will be held in 20 states and 1 union territory (Puducherry). It will start with Bihar assembly elections and the last election will be held in Mizoram.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar