Who is Vivek Joshi, the new Election Commissioner

Vivek Joshi was appointed Election Commissioner on February 17, 2025.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Vivek Joshi, a 1989-batch Haryana-cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, was appointed as an election commissioner on Monday (February 17, 2025), the Law Ministry said.

With his appointment, the Election Commission’s strength was restored to a three-member body, along with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Prakash and fellow Election Commissioner Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, following the retirement of incumbent Rajiv Kumar.

Mr. Joshi, a former Haryana chief secretary, was on Central deputation since January 2019. He previously served as secretary, personnel in Govt of India, and as Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Born on May 21, 1966, Mr. Joshi (58) will serve in the poll panel till 2031. This suggests that he will take over as the Chief Election Commissioner during the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, after Mr. Gyanesh Kumar retires on January 27, 2029.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi submitted his objections in writing during the meeting of selection committee on Monday. Congress sources said he was not present when the names were discussed. The party asked the government to defer its decision on the new CEC till the Supreme Court concludes its hearing on a petition challenging the composition of the selection panel.

Prime Minister heads the selection panel.

(With inputs from PTI)