<p class="title">Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday condoled the death of former Chief Election Commissioner T N Seshan, and said he had played a key role in making the country's poll procedures free and fair.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The legendary poll reformer, who ruthlessly enforced the model code of conduct and led the game-changing electoral reforms in the 1990s, passed away in Chennai on Sunday night at the age of 86.</p>.<p class="bodytext">In his message, Vijayan recalled Seshan was an official who had repeatedly emphasized that there should be no external interference in the elections to make it free and transparent.</p>.<p class="bodytext">During his tenure as the CEC, he established the independent constitutional status and powers of the Election Commission through his effective interventions, the Chief Minister said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Whenever the Centre tried to interfere with the powers of the Election Commission and influence its activities, Seshan had resisted fearlessly, Vijayan said adding he was a role model for those who exercise the responsibilities of the Commission.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Seshan was not keeping good health for the past couple of years and passed away around 9.30 p.m on Sunday.</p>.<p class="bodytext">He had been largely confined to his home in Chennai for the past several years due to his old age.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Known for his no-nonsense attitude, Seshan was credited with ushering in major electoral reforms during his tenure as the 10th CEC between December 12, 1990, and December 11, 1996.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Born in Thirunellai, Palakkad district of Kerala, he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1996.</p>.<p class="bodytext">A 1955-batch Indian Administrative Service officer, he held various key posts in the government including that of the defense secretary and the coveted position of cabinet secretary.</p>.<p class="bodytext">But he gained popularity only after he took over as the chief election commissioner in 1990. </p>
<p class="title">Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday condoled the death of former Chief Election Commissioner T N Seshan, and said he had played a key role in making the country's poll procedures free and fair.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The legendary poll reformer, who ruthlessly enforced the model code of conduct and led the game-changing electoral reforms in the 1990s, passed away in Chennai on Sunday night at the age of 86.</p>.<p class="bodytext">In his message, Vijayan recalled Seshan was an official who had repeatedly emphasized that there should be no external interference in the elections to make it free and transparent.</p>.<p class="bodytext">During his tenure as the CEC, he established the independent constitutional status and powers of the Election Commission through his effective interventions, the Chief Minister said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Whenever the Centre tried to interfere with the powers of the Election Commission and influence its activities, Seshan had resisted fearlessly, Vijayan said adding he was a role model for those who exercise the responsibilities of the Commission.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Seshan was not keeping good health for the past couple of years and passed away around 9.30 p.m on Sunday.</p>.<p class="bodytext">He had been largely confined to his home in Chennai for the past several years due to his old age.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Known for his no-nonsense attitude, Seshan was credited with ushering in major electoral reforms during his tenure as the 10th CEC between December 12, 1990, and December 11, 1996.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Born in Thirunellai, Palakkad district of Kerala, he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1996.</p>.<p class="bodytext">A 1955-batch Indian Administrative Service officer, he held various key posts in the government including that of the defense secretary and the coveted position of cabinet secretary.</p>.<p class="bodytext">But he gained popularity only after he took over as the chief election commissioner in 1990. </p>