Leaders across the political spectrum condoled the demise of former chief election commissioner T. N. Seshan, who passed away in Chennai on Sunday night.
Top Congress leaders, including party chief Sonia Gandhi, on Monday paid tribute to Seshan, with Rahul Gandhi saying there was a time when election commissioners were impartial and brave.
'Unlike today, there was a time when our Election Commissioners were impartial, respected, brave and feared. Shri T N Seshan was one of them. My condolences to his family on his passing,' Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote.
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
In her condolence message, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi said Seshan was a seasoned civil servant who went on to serve as the cabinet secretary.
'Shri Seshan will always be remembered for strengthening the Election Commission of India and pioneering many a far reaching electoral reform,' she said.
Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said democracy of the country will always be proud of Seshan.
'I wish, the tradition set by you could have been followed in these times as well through some more brave people,' he said.
'You will always be a source of inspiration to the lovers of democracy,' Surjewala tweeted in Hindi.
अलविदा शेषन साहेब !
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) November 10, 2019
चुनाव आयोग को असली ताक़त दिखाने वाले टीएन शेषन नहीं रहे। अश्रुपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि ।
देश के लोकतंत्र को सदा आप पर नाज रहेगा।
काश, आपकी परंपरा इस दौर में भी कुछ और जांबाजों के ज़रिए क़ायम रह पाती । आप सदा, लोकतंत्र प्रेमियों के प्रेरणा स्त्रोत रहेंगे।
Several other senior Congress leaders, including Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot, Jairam Ramesh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Milind Deora, among others, condoled Seshan's demise.
In Chandigarh, Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh said the nation will remember him as an embodiment of fearlessness and conviction.
Saddened to hear of the passing away of TN Seshan, who the nation will remember as an embodiment of fearlessness & conviction. His role in bringing major electoral reforms will be remembered by generations to come. My condolences to his family & friends at this hour of grief.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) November 11, 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that Seshan's 'efforts towards electoral reforms have made our democracy stronger and more participative.'
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
CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury tweeted that Seshan's absence will be felt gravely. Union defence minister Rajnath Singh expressed his grief over Seshan's passing.
President Ram Nath Kovind too took to Twitter to pay tribute to his demise, saying 'Seshan’s stint as chief election commissioner marked an epochal phase of electoral reforms.'
The late Shri TN Seshan's absence will be felt gravely in today's times. Notwithstanding our many disagreements, he made the Election Commission a tough and independent institution. This is in stark contrast to what we have today. Deep condolences to his family and near ones.
— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) November 11, 2019
Saddened by the demise of former Chief Election Commissioner T. N. Seshan who played a pivotal role in reforming electoral processes in India.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 11, 2019
His contribution in strengthening democracy in our country is invaluable. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.
Sad to learn about the passing of Shri T. N. Seshan. He was a distinguished civil servant. Shri Seshan’s stint as Chief Election Commissioner marked an epochal phase of electoral reforms. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 11, 2019
In a statement, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy said Seshan was the epitome of honesty, fearlessness and dedication, and rendered yeoman service as a civil servant.
'He showed how a strong democracy could be built using the power of the Election Commission. Seshan's name will be etched in golden letters in the country's history,' the chief minister said.
Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik too condoled the death of the former chief election commissioner.
'Deeply saddened by the passing away of former Chief Election Commissioner & Ramon Magasysay awardee #TNSeshan. At the helm of @ECISVEEP, he stressed major electoral reforms and was well respected across party lines for his integrity & dedication towards democratic processes,' Patnaik tweeted.
Deeply saddened by the passing away of former Chief Election Commissioner & Ramon Magsaysay awardee #TNSeshan. At the helm of @ECISVEEP, he stressed major electoral reforms and was well respected across party lines for his integrity & dedication towards democratic processes.
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) November 11, 2019
Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar also condoled the demise of Seshan, saying he played an important role in strengthening the country's electoral system.
Seshan, who ruthlessly enforced the Model Code of Conduct and led the game-changing electoral reforms in the 1990s, died in Chennai on Sunday night following a cardiac arrest. He was 86.
