Former Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan dead

As CEC, he saw to it that the model code of conduct was taken seriously by political parties and candidates

- T. Ramakrishnan

Former Chief Election Commissioner Tirunellai Narayanaiyer Seshan, who cracked the whip on money and muscle power in elections and proved a nemesis for political parties, died here around 9.15 p.m. on Sunday. He was 87.

His wife, Jayalakshmi, predeceased him early last year.

A family member told The Hindu that Mr. Seshan did not suffer from any major ailment. His end came at his house on St Mary’s Road in Alwarpet.

“He had some fever yesterday. Otherwise, he had only age-related issues. It was very sudden. At 9.15 p.m., he was watching television, felt uneasy and wanted to go the rest-room. Later when we took him to bed, he passed away,” the family member said.

His final rites are expected to be performed on Monday evening.

Mr. Seshan was the only one to hold the post of CEC for six years from 1990 to 1996 in the last 50 years.

The man who cleaned up the Indian electoral system