Former Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan passes away at 87: LIVE

Known for his no-nonsense attitude, he was largely confined to his home here for the past several years due to old age.

Former Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan, who was known for ushering in reforms to ensure free and fair polls, passed away at his residence here on Sunday following cardiac arrest, family sources said. He was 87.

 

Sad to highly demise of Ex-EC T.N. Seshan. In many respects, T.N. Seshan taught people what independent institutions could look like in India: Trilok Singh.

An IAS officer who rose to become Cabinet Secretary, Seshan became the 10th Chief Election Commissioner of India after retirement, serving from December 12, 1990 to December 11, 1996.

Known for enforcing Model Code of Conduct, Seshan took stern action against any politician who tried to flout its provisions. He was conferred the Magsaysay Prize for Public Service in 1996.

Meanwhile, Narendra Modi said on Twitter, “Shri TN Seshan was an outstanding civil servant. He served India with utmost diligence and integrity. His efforts towards electoral reforms have made our democracy stronger and more participative. Pained by his demise. Om Shanti”.

Former CEC S.Y. Quraishi said on Twitter, “Sad to announce that Shri TN Seshan passed away a short while ago. He was a true legend and a guiding force for all his successors. I pray for peace to his soul.”

Union Home Minister said on Twitter, “Saddened by the demise of former Chief Election Commissioner, Shri T N Seshan ji. He played a transformative role in reforming and strengthening India’s electoral institution. The nation will always remember him as a true torchbearer of democracy. My prayers are with his family”.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said that, “Sad that former Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan has passed away in Chennai. He was my father’s classmate at Victoria College Palakkad — a courageous & crusty boss who asserted the Election Commission’s autonomy & authority as no CEC before him had done. A pillar of our democracy.”

Author: Trilok Singh, CEO here.

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Former CEC TN Seshan: A no-nonsense man, he cleaned up India’s electoral system: LIVE