TN Seshan, India's 10th Chief Election Commissioner, passed away last night due to health issues. He was 86. His daughter confirmed the news to a news agency.

Condolences are pouring in from across the country. Besides top politicians, Seshan's death has been mourned by bureaucrats as well as ordinary citizens who admire his fearless attitude towards politicians during his term (1990 to 1996).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described Seshan as an outstanding civil servant who "served India with utmost diligence and integrity". Hailing his electoral reforms which made our democracy "stronger and more participative", Modi said that he is pained by Seshan's demise.

Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu recalled the reforms introduced by Sheshan. "He did a yeomen service to the nation through initiatives such as Introduction of Voter IDs, strict implementation Election Code of Conduct, setting expenditure limits and many more. The nation is ever grateful to his invaluable contributions and service," Naidu added.

Sharing an interesting factoid about Seshan, IAS officer Priyanka Shukla says, "Tough and a stickler to the rule book...Shri #TNSheshan was transferred 6 times in just one day, back in 1962."