T.N.Seshan was a proven loyal bureaucrat and held high office as cabinet secretary during the Congress government at the center. Seshan was appointed Chief Election Commissioner, perhaps with expectation of his pliability to ensure the party's (Congress) favorable election results. Soon after his appointment, Seshan asserted his rights under the Constitution. He asserted EC's right to ensure free and fair elections. He was particularly hard on Bihar politicians who had assumed rigging, booth capturing, making winners lose and losers win as their divine right! Politicians of all hues were not amused with Seshan and his independent actions. They wanted the government to dismiss Seshan! But Seshan could not be removed. He had Constitutional immunity. There was a move to impeach Seshan, the only course to remove him. But the political parties got cold feet. The electorate would not have tolerated such a draconian move. Two additional election commissioners were appointed to clip the wings of the CEC, hoping the other two would be helpful. At first Seshan even refused to recognize the other two. Unfortunately for the political parties the additional election commissioners were not of much help. One by one they had to be promoted as the chief when the incumbent retired. And when in office, they acted like Seshan! Remember J.M.Lygndoh? He was no nonsense chief, called the politicians the cancer of Indian political system! He conducted free and fair elections in Kashmir in spite of every impediment put his way and the world community applauded him.

Political parties have now learnt their lessons. Experience is a great teacher. Now the Party in power will carefully choose, nurse, pamper, reward and orient a proper candidate. Such a candidate when appointed should be grateful to his 'employers' even when the employer ceases to be an employer!

A wag remarked that EC Navin Chawla who had benefited immensely from Congress MPs and their funds - might be such a suitable candidate!