88 Minutes in PMO: What Transpired During Rahul Gandhi's Extended Meeting with PM Modi

Rahul Gandhi has voiced his opposition to all the proposed appointments, according to sources.

A surprisingly lengthy 88-minute meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi today sparked significant speculation throughout the parliament halls during the ongoing Winter Session. While a meeting to discuss candidates for the Chief Information Commissioner position was anticipated, few expected such an extended discussion.

According to established protocols, the Prime Minister, a Prime Minister-nominated Union minister, and the Leader of Opposition are tasked with making decisions regarding key appointments in the Information Commission, Election Commission, and Vigilance department.

For this particular meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah attended as the senior ministerial representative. Gandhi arrived at the Prime Minister's Office at 1 pm, with the meeting commencing at 1:07 pm, as per sources. As the meeting continued well beyond expectations, parliamentarians began speculating about additional topics potentially under discussion.

When Rahul Gandhi finally emerged after 88 minutes, it was revealed that the discussions had encompassed not only the Chief Information Commissioner appointment but also eight Information Commissioners and a Vigilance Commissioner position.

Sources indicate that Gandhi has registered objections to all the proposed appointments and has formally submitted his dissent in writing.

Such objections from Opposition representatives are not unprecedented in these consultative meetings. Previously, both Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have raised similar concerns when attending these meetings as Opposition representatives, according to sources.

While the outcome followed historical patterns, the extended 88-minute duration of the meeting became a major topic of conversation throughout the Parliament corridors.

Currently, there are 8 vacant positions in the Central Information Commission (CIC), including the Chief Information Commissioner role. These officials are responsible for adjudicating complaints and appeals filed by RTI applicants and authorizing the release of information.

Until mid-September, Hiralal Samariya served as India's Chief Information Commissioner. Since his retirement on September 13, the position has remained vacant. Only two Information Commissioners - Anandi Ramalingam and Vinod Kumar Tiwari - are currently handling the Commission's workload.

According to the CIC's website, there is a backlog of 30,838 pending cases. Under Section 12(3) of the Right to Information Act, the Prime Minister chairs the Selection Committee, which includes the Leader of Opposition and a Union Minister nominated by the Prime Minister, to recommend appointments for the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners positions.