Key Points
Arun Goel's resignation as election commissioner, although a surprise, was preceded by simmering differences with chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar..
ET has learnt that most disagreements were not about major policy issues..
However, differences continued and involved issues such as the composition and size of EC teams heading to states for poll preparation reviews and the formats of press briefings in states, among others...
Those aware of issues felt that the nature of differences did not seem to warrant Goel's resignation on the eve of the Lok Sabha elections...
He opted for voluntary retirement while serving as secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, in November 2022 and joined as election commissioner within days - an issue which went to the Supreme Court, which had pulled up the Centre for the appointment..
