Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SB)

Bangalore, Jun 21: IAS officer C R Chikkamath has been appointed as the new state election commissioner (EC) on Saturday Jun 20 following M R Hegde’s retirement from service. Hegde had assumed charge as the state election commissioner (EC) on June 21, 2004.

Chikkamath was appointed by the state government with immediate effect as the the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will face elections, shortly. The elections to BBMP in a short period after he assumes charge and seeing to it that it is conducted smoothly would be one of his major challenges. 

Chikkamath also has to meet up to his successor Hegde’s achievements. Hegde during his tenure was instrumental in smooth conduct of one cycle of elections for the three-tier panchayat institutions and urban local bodies in the state. These apart, Hegde played a lead role in the delimitation of Assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies.