IAS officer Ashish Kundra has been appointed as the new Chief Election Officer (CEO) of Mizoram with immediate effect replacing SB Shashank. The state is scheduled to go to polls on November 28 and the counting is scheduled to be held on December 11.
Earlier, Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding Shashank’s removal following the sacking of Principal Secretary (Home) L Chuaungo.
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“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 13A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (43 of 1950), the Election Commission of India in consultation with the Government of Mizoram hereby nominates Ashish Kundra, IAS, (AGMUT: 1996) as the Chief Electoral Officer for the State of Mizoram with immediate effect and until further orders in place of SB Shashank, IAS,” the Election Commission of India (ECI) said in an official statement.
Shashank had complained to the ECI about the state government’s interference in the ensuing elections. He also brought to the notice of the Commission of Chief Minister Chuaungo’s alleged involvement in the revision of the electoral rolls and using the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
The people of Mizoram had protested against Shashank, alleging that he was biased in conducting the elections due on November 28. Results of the elections would be declared on December 11.
“Ashish Kundra while functioning as the Chief Electoral Officer, Mizoram shall not hold any additional charge whatsoever under the Government of Mizoram except that he should be designated Secretary to the Government in charge of Election Department in the State Secretariat,” the statement added.
(With ANI inputs)