BJP candidates fill in forms for state elections

TS Krishnamurthy replaces the outspoken JM Lyngdoh, who retires in February.

Mr Lyngdoh, who once described Indian politicians as "cheats", is credited with organising polls in the troubled states of Gujarat and Kashmir.

India's governing BJP wants polls earlier than scheduled, to capitalise on state election successes, a strong economy and improved Pakistan ties.

The term of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee ends in October and an early poll would have to be approved by the Election Commission, an autonomous body.

Low-key official

Mr Krishnamurthy is the senior-most member of the three-man Election Commission and is seen as a low-key official.

Mr Vajpayee wants to cash in on the "feel-good" factor

Media reports had suggested the BJP was seeking to appoint someone else but decided to keep to the norm of appointing the next in line.

A career civil servant, the new election commissioner served in the Income Tax department and the finance ministry.

He takes charge of the powerful commission, which oversees elections in the world's largest democracy.

In recent times the commission has acquired a reputation of being tough and independent, cracking down on errant politicians and election fraud.

Under Mr Lyngdoh, the commission made it mandatory for election candidates to declare their assets and any outstanding criminal cases against them.

In a recent BBC interview, Mr Lyngdoh described the country's politicians as poorly educated, impolite cheats.

He warned that Indian democracy was under threat from its elected representatives.

His comments created a furore and led to a backlash of criticism from Indian politicians from both the ruling coalition as well as the opposition.