ECI Removes Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, Orders Key Bureaucratic Reshuffle Ahead of Polls

Chennai, April 2026 : In a major administrative shake-up ahead of the Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday ordered the removal of Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam and appointed senior IAS officer M. Sai Kumar as his replacement with immediate effect.

The move is part of the poll body’s broader strategy to ensure neutrality, transparency, and a level playing field as the state enters a crucial phase of the electoral process. In its official directive, the Commission instructed the Tamil Nadu government to implement the changes without delay and submit a compliance report by 6 pm the same day.

In another significant reshuffle, senior IPS officer Sandeep Mittal has been appointed as the head of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) as well as the Armed Police. He replaces Davidson Devasirvatham, who has been relieved from his duties in line with the Commission’s orders.

The Election Commission also issued clear instructions regarding the redeployment of the officers who have been removed. It specified that these officials should not be assigned to any roles related to election duties until the completion of the polling process, reinforcing its commitment to impartial administration during elections.

Such high-level interventions by the ECI are not uncommon during election periods. They are aimed at preventing any perception of bias or misuse of official machinery, thereby strengthening public trust in the democratic process. The Commission’s actions underline its authority to make administrative changes to uphold the integrity of elections.

The reshuffle comes at a time when political activity across Tamil Nadu has intensified, with major political parties and candidates entering the final stages of campaigning. The Commission has reportedly been closely monitoring the administrative framework in the state and acted decisively to address any concerns that could impact the fairness of the polls.

Officials indicated that these changes are expected to have an immediate effect on governance and election preparedness. With new officers taking charge of key positions, administrative priorities are likely to be realigned to meet the demands of conducting free and fair elections.

As polling approaches, the Commission’s swift and firm action sends a strong signal about its resolve to strictly enforce electoral norms. By ensuring that key administrative posts are held by officers deemed neutral and unbiased, the ECI aims to maintain institutional integrity and public confidence throughout the election process.

The developments highlight the critical role of the Election Commission in safeguarding democratic practices, particularly during high-stakes elections, where even minor lapses can have significant implications.