Meet ‘Kahwa Man’: Gyanesh Kumar, the New Chief Election Commissioner with a Journalist-Friendly Legacy
Gyanesh Kumar, an alumnus of Harvard University, has been appointed as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India.
His appointment follows a recommendation by a panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was officially confirmed by the President. Kumar is the first CEC to be appointed under the new law governing the selection of election commissioners.
Kumar’s Tenure and Appointment Process
Gyanesh Kumar assumed the role of Election Commissioner on March 15, 2024, with his tenure initially set to last until January 26, 2029.
His selection as CEC was finalized by a committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
Who is Gyanesh Kumar?
Kumar is a 1988-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre. He played a significant role in drafting the bill that led to the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019, which resulted in the former state being divided into two Union Territories.
At the time, he was serving as the Joint Secretary (Kashmir Division) in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In 2020, as Additional Secretary in the Home Ministry, Kumar was responsible for crucial legal and administrative aspects of the Supreme Court case on the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
His contributions helped in the formation of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Educational Background and Career
Kumar holds a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Kanpur and has studied Business Finance at the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI).
Additionally, he pursued Environmental Economics at Harvard University. Over his career, he has held various key positions in both the central and state governments:
- Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence
- Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs
- Secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
- Secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation
- Resident Commissioner of Kerala House in New Delhi
He retired from government service on January 31, 2024, before being appointed as CEC.
Role in the Government of Kerala
Kumar also served in the Kerala government in several capacities, including:
- Assistant Collector of Ernakulam
- Sub-Collector of Adoor
- MD of Kerala State Development Corporation for SC/ST
- Municipal Commissioner of Cochin
- MD of Kerala State Cooperative Bank
- Director of Industries and Commerce
- District Collector of Ernakulam
- Secretary of Goshree Islands Development Authority
- MD of Trivandrum Airport Development Society
- Project Director of Kerala State Transport Project
Appointment of New Election Commissioner
Following Kumar’s elevation to CEC, the Government of India appointed IAS officer Vivek Joshi as the new Election Commissioner.
Kumar’s Reputation as an Administrator
Between 2015 and 2020, Kumar worked as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, handling the crucial Jammu & Kashmir Division.
Journalists frequently visited his North Block chamber, where he was known for his approachable nature and his hospitality, offering guests Kashmiri ‘Kahwa.’ This earned him the nickname ‘Kahwa Man.’
Kumar’s efficiency in implementing government policies strengthened his ties with Home Minister Amit Shah.
His instrumental role in the abrogation of Article 370 showcased his ability to handle complex and sensitive matters effectively. Additionally, he was actively involved in managing legal aspects of the Ram Temple case.
A Blend of Technical and Administrative Expertise
Kumar’s diverse academic background—spanning engineering, finance, and environmental economics—has made him a versatile and capable administrator.
His appointment as CEC reflects the government’s confidence in his leadership as the country approaches significant elections, including the Bihar Assembly polls later this year and elections in West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu in 2026.
Appointment Under the New Law
Gyanesh Kumar’s appointment as CEC marks the first selection made under the revised law on election commissioners.
His nomination was finalized in a meeting of the selection committee, led by Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Shah, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
Kumar’s extensive experience in both central and state government administration, combined with his strategic role in landmark national policies, positions him as a strong and capable Chief Election Commissioner.
His leadership will be crucial in ensuring smooth and fair electoral processes in the coming years.
