The Election Commission has named 2007-batch IAS officer Sandip Janardanpant Sagale as Gujarat’s new Chief Electoral Officer, replacing Hareet Shukla. The move signals a key administrative shift ahead of crucial electoral processes in the state.
The Chief Electoral Officer plays a crucial role in overseeing electoral processes in the state
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has appointed IAS officer Sandip Janardanpant Sagale (Gujarat cadre, 2007 batch) as the new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Gujarat. The appointment was notified through an official communication issued by the Commission on February 23, 2026.
Sagale will assume charge in place of Hareet Shukla, IAS. His appointment will take effect from the date he formally takes over the responsibilities of the office.
PM Modi’s emotional letter to voters; Vows ‘sonar bangla’ and viksit West Bengal ahead of polls
According to the notification issued by the Commission under the provisions of Section 13A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the designation was made in consultation with the Government of Gujarat.
IAS Sandip Janardan Sagale (GJ:2007) appointed as the new Chief Electoral Officer of Gujarat. He replaces IAS Hareet Shukla (GJ:1999) in the key post overseeing the state’s electoral administration.
— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) February 23, 2026
The order states that Sagale will function as the Chief Electoral Officer for the State of Gujarat from the date he assumes office and will continue until further orders. The Commission has also directed that he relinquish any other charges he may be holding under the Government of Gujarat before assuming the new role.
Additionally, while serving as CEO, he shall not hold any other additional charge, except being designated as Secretary to the Government in charge of the Election Department in the State Secretariat.
TN SIR: Over 97 lakh electors deleted from voter list in Tamil Nadu; Full story here
The Chief Electoral Officer plays a crucial role in overseeing electoral processes in the state, including preparation and revision of electoral rolls, conduct of Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, and coordination with district election machinery.
The Commission has requested that Sagale’s official and residential contact details be communicated once he assumes charge. With Gujarat being a politically significant state, the appointment comes at an important time in the electoral calendar, reinforcing the Commission’s administrative preparedness.
Sagale, a 2007-batch IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, is expected to bring administrative experience to the constitutional post as he takes over the responsibility of managing the state’s election framework.
