J.M. Lyngdoh
The original, T.N. Seshan, was loud, abrasive—and effective. The quiet James Michael Lyngdoh abhors publicity, and is possibly more so. This was amply proved by the firm manner in which India’s new cec conducted the Kashmir and Gujarat polls—despite some bjp leaders stooping so low as to cast aspersions on his integrity. A taciturn Khasi from Meghalaya and a 1961 batch ias officer, Lyngdoh was alloted the infamous Bihar cadre where he soon built up a reputation as an honest, tough, no-nonsense officer. An exercise freak with a black belt in karate, he’s also a polyglot, fluent in French and German. Lyngdoh, who will oversee the state elections this year. will be around till ‘04. Politicians, watch out.