India’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, and his family have found themselves at the center of a social media storm. Trolls have targeted Kumar’s daughters — IAS officer and Noida DM Medha Roopam, and IRS officer Abhishree — questioning their high-profile postings and alleging nepotism. The controversy intensified after Medha Roopam deactivated her X (formerly Twitter) account due to incessant trolling. Critics have shared family trees and personal details online, claiming bias in their appointments, despite the fact that all family members cleared the UPSC, one of the world’s toughest examinations. What many overlook is their rigorous academic and professional journey. Gyanesh Kumar is an IIT Kanpur alumnus and a Harvard graduate who became an IAS officer in 1988. His daughter Medha ranked 10th in UPSC 2014 and has held various district-level roles before being appointed DM of Noida. She is also a national-level shooting champion. While opposition parties have linked their appointments to political favoritism during ongoing election tensions, voices across the spectrum, including BJP and civil society, have condemned the personal attacks, calling for a distinction between an officer’s work and their family’s identity. Success through merit shouldn’t be vilified—especially not in a democracy.

