With only five days left until the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed the state government to replace senior IPS officer K.A. Senthil Velan with Avinash Kumar as the new Inspector General of Police (Intelligence) immediately. Avinash Kumar, a 2004-batch IPS officer, has been appointed to ensure administrative neutrality and efficiency during the pre-election period. The ECI’s directive emphasizes the importance of maintaining a level playing field and electoral process integrity.
The Election Commission’s order, signed by ECI Secretary Madhusudan Gupta, is part of its ongoing efforts to oversee fair elections and uphold neutrality. The Tamil Nadu government has been directed to confirm Avinash Kumar assuming office as the new IG (Intelligence) by 5.00 p.m. on Sunday. Additionally, the Commission has imposed restrictions on K.A. Senthil Velan, prohibiting him from handling any election-related duties until the electoral process concludes.
In a move to ensure unbiased polls, the Election Commission has instructed the transfer of key officials like K.A. Senthil Velan, particularly those in critical roles such as intelligence and law enforcement. Such administrative reshuffles are common during election periods to eliminate potential biases that could affect the electoral conduct. The upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on April 23 have intensified political activities as various parties and alliances engage in extensive campaigning across constituencies.
The ECI is closely monitoring the state machinery’s readiness, including law enforcement and administrative structures, to guarantee transparent and impartial polling. The recent directive underscores the ECI’s commitment to enhancing voter trust and upholding democratic principles. Further administrative adjustments may be made as the Commission continues its oversight in the run-up to the polls.
