Former Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan passes away

Former chief election commissioner TN Seshan passed away in Chennai last night. Shri Seshan (86) died of cardiac arrest at 9:45 PM. He was not keeping well for the past couple of years.

Tirunellai Narayana Iyer Seshan alias TN Seshan was born on 15 December 1932 in Thirunellai, Palakkad district, Kerala. A 1955 batch IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, Seshan was appointed the Election Commission from 1990 to 1996. He held various key posts in the government including that of Defence Secretary and Cabinet Secretary.

His name became a household word after assuming the office of the Chief Election Commissioner in 1990. An outstanding and fearless civil servant, Seshan ushered in major electoral reforms during his tenure as the chief election commissioner.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his demise. In a tweet, Mr Modi said, Seshan was as an outstanding civil servant who served the country with utmost diligence and integrity. Prime Minister said, Seshan’s efforts towards electoral reforms have made our democracy stronger and more participative.

Home Minister Amit Shah said Seshan played a transformative role in reinforcing and strengthening India’s electoral institution.

BJP’s working president JP Nadda said, Seshan will always be remembered for the reforms he brought in the electoral process and the strength he gave to our democratic structure.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, his contribution towards election reforms will be the guiding light for years to come.