DMK Urges Election Commission To Revoke Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Transfer Order

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to revoke its recent order transferring Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, calling the decision arbitrary and lacking justification, amid an intensifying political row over administrative changes ahead of the state Assembly elections.

In a formal representation submitted to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and other Election Commissioners, DMK treasurer and Member of Parliament T. R. Baalu said the April 8 transfer order appointing senior IAS officer M. Sai Kumar in place of Muruganandam was issued without citing any specific reasons. The party argued that such a major bureaucratic reshuffle requires clear justification, especially during an ongoing election process.

The DMK also contended that there had been no complaints or adverse reports against the outgoing Chief Secretary, questioning the necessity of the transfer at a crucial administrative juncture. The party emphasized that Muruganandam had been serving in the post for over a year and a half and was well-positioned to ensure continuity in governance during the election period.

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According to the representation, administrative stability is essential as the state approaches key electoral phases, including campaign activities, governance monitoring, and preparation for post-election processes. The party further argued that abrupt changes at the top level of the bureaucracy could disrupt routine administrative functioning and impact file clearances and ongoing official work.

The DMK’s appeal comes amid broader political tensions over the Election Commission’s decision to transfer senior officials in Tamil Nadu as part of measures aimed at ensuring free and fair elections. While the ruling party has criticized the move as unilateral, opposition parties have defended it as a standard electoral safeguard to maintain neutrality in administration.

As the matter unfolds, the Election Commission is expected to examine the DMK’s request alongside its earlier directive. The administrative reshuffle has now become a key flashpoint in the political landscape ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with both ruling and opposition parties trading charges over its intent and timing.

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