TN Seshan, an IAS officer of 1955 batch from Tamil Nadu cadre, managed to stamp his authority on the country’s electoral system during his term as the country’s 10th Chief Election Commissioner from 1990 to 1996, has passed away. He breathed his last on Sunday. He was 86.
T N Seshan, who ruthlessly enforced the Model Code of Conduct and led the game-changing electoral reforms in the 1990s, died on Sunday following a cardiac arrest. He was not keeping good health for the past couple of years and passed away around 9.30 pm.
Former chief election commissioner Seshan was born on 15th December 1932 in Palakkad. The full name of TN Seshan’s name was Tirunellai Narayana Iyer Seshan. He even contested for the post of President of India in 1997 and lost to KR Narayanan. Appointed by Prime Minister Chandrashekhar as the Chief Election Commissioner of India, TN Seshan would always be remembered as a shining example of what a CEC should be.
TN Seshan had earlier served as the 18th Cabinet Secretary of India in 1989. In 1996, he won the Ramon Magsaysay Award.
TN Seshan used to own a big stick while enforcing the model code of conduct to reign in muscle and the money power during elections. Seshan was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay award in 1996.
TN Seshan was the 10th CEC and had served from 12th December 1990, till 11th December 1996.
India Prime Minister Narendra Modi said TN Seshan was an outstanding civil servant who served the country with utmost diligence and integrity. His efforts towards the electoral reforms have made our democracy stronger and more participative.
Home Minister Amit Shah said TN Seshan played a transformative role in reinforcing and strengthening India’s electoral institution.
Chandrababu Naidu said, “My deep condolences to the family members and followers of TN Seshan. “