DMK MP T. R. Baalu has written to the Election Commission of India (ECI) opposing the recent appointment of M. Sai Kumar as the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu and Sandeep Mittal as the Director General of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), urging that both decisions be reconsidered.
In his letter, T. R. Baalu objected to the replacement of the incumbent Chief Secretary, N. Muruganandam, stating that the transfer was “arbitrary and unjustified” and noting that the Election Commission had not provided any reasons for the decision. He pointed out that no major political party had raised complaints against Muruganandam and argued that there was no logical or valid justification for his removal, especially at a time when election processes are underway in the state.
T. R. Baalu emphasized that continuity in administration is essential during the election period, stating that governance should not be disrupted until a new government is formed and a new council of ministers assumes office. He added that Muruganandam, having served in the role for over a year, was best suited to ensure the smooth functioning of the administration during this period.
The DMK leader also strongly objected to the appointment of Sandeep Mittal as the head of the DVAC, arguing that the Election Commission does not have the authority to make such appointments that are unrelated to the conduct of elections. He stated that, under Article 324 of the Constitution, the powers of the Election Commission are limited to supervising, directing, and controlling the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections.
He further noted that the DVAC is an agency responsible for investigating corruption allegations against government officials and has no direct connection to election-related activities.
In his communication, T. R. Baalu also raised concerns regarding Mittal’s neutrality, alleging that the officer has expressed views on social media that indicate ideological leanings. He stated that the head of an agency like the DVAC must be a person of “impeccable integrity and neutrality” and questioned whether Mittal meets that standard. He further alleged that there is “no doubt” that Mittal would act in support of the National Democratic Alliance led by the BJP.
He also criticised the actions of the Election Commission in poll-bound states, stating that the Commission should function as a neutral constitutional body and not exceed its defined authority during the election period.
The developments come in the backdrop of recent administrative changes made ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, where the Election Commission replaced the Chief Secretary and also appointed a new DGP for Vigilance and Anti-Corruption as part of its pre-election measures.
