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The man who literally transformed the way elections were fought and was the iconic face iconic face of Election Commission in the country, T N Seshan, passed away at the age of 86.
He was a 1955 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Tamil Nadu cadre, who is best remembered as the man who cleaned up elections in India. He was the 10th Chief Election Commissioner of India (1990–96), who reformed elections by largely ending its malpractices in the country and redefined the status and visibility of the Election Commission of India
As soon as the news of his passing away came leaders across party lines hailed his immense contribution and paid their rich tributes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 10, 2019
Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP
Sad that former ChiefElectionCommissioner
TN Seshan has passed away in Chennai. He was my father’s classmate at VictoriaCollege Palakkad — a courageous &crusty boss who asserted the ElectionCommission’s autonomy& authority as no CEC before him had done. A pillar of our democracy pic.twitter.com/FfGBuJnWoU— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) November 10, 2019
SY Quraishi , Former CEC
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.
— Dr. S.Y. Quraishi (@DrSYQuraishi) November 10, 2019
Amit Shah, Home Minister
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.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 10, 2019
Rahul Gandhi, former Congress president
Unlike today, there was a time when our Election Commissioners were impartial, respected, brave & feared. Shri #TNSeshan was one of them. My condolences to his family on his passing.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 11, 2019
N Chandrababu Naidu, Former Chief Minister Andhra Pradesh
Pained by the demise of former CEC Sri TN Seshan. A man of unquestionable integrity and honesty, his contribution to strengthen our nation’s election process will remain in our memories. He will be an inspiration to future generations#RIPTNSheshan pic.twitter.com/kLnza60dc9
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) November 11, 2019
