New Delhi, May 26 (IANS) The ECI on Tuesday named A.S.P.S. Ravi Prakash, a 2011-batch IAS officer, as the new Chief Electoral Officer of Puducherry, an official said.

In a letter to the Puducherry Chief Secretary, the Election Commission of India (ECI) informed that it has selected Prakash out of a panel of three IAS officers suggested by the Puducherry government.

In the letter written by ECI Principal Secretary Rahul Sharma, the Commission said, “A copy of the Commission’s Notification No. 154/PUDU/2026-P.Admn. dated May 26, 2026, appointing A.S.P.S Ravi Prakash as the Chief Electoral Officer, Puducherry, issued in this regard, along with its Hindi version, is being sent herewith.”

The ECI also told the Union Territory’s government that the Notification on the CEO’s appointment “may be re-published in the Puducherry State Gazette and an off-take copy of the same be sent to the Commission for its information and record”.

“It may be ensured that A.S.P.S Ravi Prakash assumes charge of the Chief Electoral Officer, Puducherry immediately. A compliance report may be sent within a week,” said the ECI letter.

Earlier this month, a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government headed by N. Rangasamy assumed office in Puducherry, with the veteran leader taking oath as Chief Minister for a record fifth term.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Puducherry Lok Bhavan, where Lieutenant Governor K. Kailasanathan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Rangasamy and the newly inducted ministers.

Along with the Chief Minister, BJP MLA A. Namassivayam and All India N.R. Congress (AINRC) MLA Malladi Krishna Rao were sworn in as ministers in the new Cabinet.

This marks Rangasamy’s second consecutive term as Chief Minister under the NDA alliance and further strengthens his position as one of the most influential political leaders in the Union Territory’s history.

Puducherry recorded a polling percentage of 91.19 per cent with 8,66,932 electors taking part in voting.

–IANS

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