Former chief election commissioner TN Seshan passed away at his Chennai residence earlier today at 9: 30 pm. he was 87.
Bengaluru: It’s an unbearable loss as former chief election commissioner (CEC) of India, TN Seshan passed away at his residence in Chennai at 9: 30 pm. He was 87.
Seshan was the 10th CEC and rendered his services from December 12, 1990 to December 11, 1996.
Known for his adherence to rules, Seshan has to his credit enforcing the model code of conduct (MCC). He was severe against those who had a tendency to flout the MCC.
It is interesting to note that a sitting governor, who had campaigned for his son during a poll, had to resign ultimately for his non—adherence to the rules. Polling too was suspended in Madhya Pradesh in this regard.
In Uttar Pradesh, a minister was forced to quit the dais at a rally as the campaign period had just ended.
TN Seshan was a retired 1955 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Tamil Nadu cadre. Seshan had earlier served as the 18th cabinet secretary of India in 1989. He had also won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for his services to the government in 1996.
Born in December 1932 in Thirunellai, Palakkad district in Kerala, TN Seshan was a graduate in Physics and worked for three years as a demonstrator at the Madras Christian College. This is when he passed the IAS exam.
TN Seshan also studied at Harvard University on Edward S. Mason Fellowship where he earned a master's degree in public administration.
Former CEC SY Quraishi took to Twitter to condole his death. “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,” he said.
In simple terms, India has lost a great soul who yearned to usher in electoral reforms and showed to the world if you have the will, you can do wonders.
R.I.P Seshan!
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