H R Brahma is the new Election Commissioner

Former secretary in the Union ministry of energy, Hari Shankar Brahma, was appointed as the new Election Commissioner on Wednesday.

A former Andhra Pradesh cadre Indian Administrative Services officer of 1975 seniority, Brahma hails from Assam.

After J M Lyndogh, Brahma is the second person from the north-east to be appointed to this highest post. Also, he is a personal choice of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who wanted a non-controversial officer for the post.

Both V S Sampath and Brahma were the direct selection of Dr  Singh.

The next crucial appointment would be that of the Central Vigilance Commissioner. Whether the PM's initiative will be carried out for the post or not, that needs to watched, as a panel of probable names are considered by a special high power committee consisting of the PM and the Leader of Opposition.