Mamata Banerjee on TN Seshan: 'A stalwart for free and fair elections'

West Bengal Chief Minister West Bengal expressed grief and paid her tributes after the passing of former Chief Election Officer T.N Seshan on Sunday evening. Banerjee mentioned that Seshan's contribution to democracy will always be remembered. Seshan passed away following a cardiac arrest.

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"A stalwart for free and fair elections"

In a tweet, Banerjee said, "Saddened to know about the demise of TN Seshan, a stalwart for free and fair elections. His legendary contribution to democracy will be always remembered. My condolences to his family and many admirers." Seshan was 86 years old and passed away at his home in Chennai. 

Sheshan was famously known for enforcing the model code of conduct and led the game-changing electoral reforms in the 1990s. Sheshan used to wield a big stick while enforcing the model code of conduct to reign in muscle and money power during elections. He was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1996. In his acceptance speech of the prestigious award, Seshan had said, "I deemed this award a tribute to the process of democracy throughout the free world, to the wisdom of millions of India's electorate not always necessarily formally educated, to the millions of Indian voters who have overcome disabilities of economic status, social disability, poverty, and prejudice to walk into the ballot booth and use that little marking stamp to decidedly say who they want to rule over them."

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The Prime Minister also paid his tributes, and in a tweet said, "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."

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