DAINIK NATION BUREAU
The state chief electoral officer (CEO) Radha Raturi who had a tough time during the high-strung electioneering, dealing with strings of complaints lodged by the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging violation of the model code of conduct against the Harish Rawat government, has expressed her desire to quit. It is learnt that she has shot off a letter to the chief secretary, requesting him to relive her of the post. An officer working for the chief secretary has confirmed that they have received a letter from her.
Appointed as CEO in 2007, she has remained at the helm of the state election commission for the past 10 years. The assembly elections-2012 and 2017- aside from the two general elections-
2009 and 2014 have been conducted with Raturi at the helm.
It is learnt that the task of selecting her successor would be left to the new government. However, the election commission of India would take the final call on the appointment of new CEO after the state government sends some names figuring in a panel for the top job of the state election commission.
As of now, she would be asked to continue as the CEO till her successor is selected, according to the official sources. Once the resignation is accepted the chief secretary would prepare a panel of three officers to be sent to the new chief minister who is likely to be sworn in by the end of this week. The new CM would then send it to the election commission of India to take the final call.