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ECI Appoints Sandeep Rai Rathore as Tamil Nadu DGP in Major Pre-Poll Shuffle

The Election Commission of India has appointed Sandeep Rai Rathore as the new Director-General of Police of Tamil Nadu, replacing G. Venkataraman. This move is part of the Commission's preparedness for the state's single-phase assembly elections scheduled for April 23. The EC also transferred four other IPS officers to different districts and mandated that the transferred officials not be given election-related duties. Meanwhile, the Commission has completed the second randomization of EVMs for elections in several other states and union territories.

Key Points: ECI Names Sandeep Rai Rathore as Tamil Nadu DGP Before Polls

  • Major police reshuffle before polls
  • Four IPS officers transferred
  • Single-phase election on April 23
  • EVM randomization completed for multiple states
2 min read

ECI appoints Sandeep Rai Rathore as Tamil Nadu DGP ahead of polls

Election Commission appoints Sandeep Rai Rathore as Tamil Nadu DGP, transfers 4 IPS officers as part of poll preparedness for April 23 elections.

"transferred official will not be posted in any election-related posts till the completion of elections - Election Commission"

New Delhi, April 2

Election Commission of India on Thursday named Sandeep Rai Rathore as the Director-General of Police of Tamil Nadu, replacing G. Venkataraman as part of the poll preparedness in the state.

Election Commission directed the Tamil Nadu government to implement the order with immediate effect, and a compliance report in respect of the joining of the officer to be sent by 11 am on April 3.

The EC also directed that the transferred official will not be posted in any election-related posts till the completion of elections.

Earlier on Friday, the EC transferred four Indian Police Service (IPS) officers in Tamil Nadu, ahead of the election in the State.

In a letter, the Election Commission of India said it has reviewed the preparedness for the upcoming state elections.

G Jawahar (IPS, 2016 batch), has been appointed as the Superintendent of Police (SP) for Kancheepuram, while K Prabakar (IPS, batch yet to be allotted) will take charge as SP of Perambalur. E Sundaravathanam (IPS, 2016 batch) has been posted as SP of Thanjavur, and GSA Myilvaganan (IPS, 2016 batch) will serve as SP in Tenkasi.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The current tenure of the 234-member state assembly ends on May 10.

The main electoral contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes Congress, DMDK, and other parties. Looking to unseat the ruling alliance are the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) with BJP and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) as allies.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has completed the second randomisation of EVMs through the EVM Management System (EMS) by the Returning Officers in the presence of contesting candidates for the General Election to Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala and Puducherry and bye-elections in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland and Tripura going to polls on April 9.

The list of first and second randomised EVMs and VVPATs will also be shared with all the contesting candidates, EC said in a release.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a Tamilian, I appreciate the transparency. The directive that the transferred officer cannot hold any election-related post is crucial. Let's hope for a violence-free election season.
R
Rohit P
While I understand the need for neutrality, these last-minute transfers can disrupt the administrative continuity. The new DGP will have very little time to settle in before the polls. A bit rushed, no?
S
Sarah B
The details about EVM randomization being shared with candidates is a great step for trust-building. More such transparency measures are needed across all states.
K
Karthik V
The real test is on the ground. Appointing officers is one thing, ensuring they can act without political pressure during the high-stakes campaign is another. Fingers crossed.
N
Nisha Z
Interesting to see batch details mentioned. A 2016 batch officer as SP for key districts shows experience is being valued. Hope they manage the law and order situation well. All the best to them!

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