Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has strongly criticized the Election Commission of India over its decision to replace the state’s Chief Secretary ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, calling the move politically motivated and unprecedented.
The Election Commission ordered the transfer of Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary V. Muruganandam, an IAS officer, as part of administrative changes during the election period. The move has triggered a sharp reaction from the state government, with Stalin alleging that the decision deviates from established norms followed in other states during elections.
In a detailed statement shared on social media, Stalin accused the Election Commission of acting in a biased manner and favoring the Bharatiya Janata Party. He stated, “The Election Commission, which should conduct free and fair elections, is instead acting to implement the directives of the BJP government, which is disgraceful.”
Stalin further questioned why similar actions were not taken in other states where elections were held. He cited examples of Assam, where the BJP is in power, and Bihar, where elections were conducted earlier, noting that key officials such as the Director General of Police and Chief Secretary were not replaced in those states. He alleged that only Tamil Nadu had been singled out for such changes, suggesting external influence behind the decision.
He further stated, “It is not appropriate for the Election Commission to act with undue haste in aiding electoral malpractices that the BJP, in alliance with the AIADMK, is allegedly preparing to carry out in Tamil Nadu.”
In his statement, Stalin also expressed concern that the Election Commission’s actions could undermine public trust in the institution. He emphasized that the constitutional safeguards granted to the Election Commission were intended to ensure impartiality, not to serve political interests. He warned that such decisions could pose a threat to the integrity of democratic processes and the conduct of free and fair elections.
Reiterating his party’s political stance, Stalin asserted that administrative changes would not impact the electoral outcome in Tamil Nadu. He said, “No matter how many officials are transferred, it is certain that the BJP will face a decisive defeat in Tamil Nadu.”
