Anil Chandra Punetha Takes Charge as Andhra Pradesh's New SEC

Retired IAS officer Anil Chandra Punetha has taken office as the State Election Commissioner (SEC) for Andhra Pradesh, effective from April 21, 2026. The news was confirmed by A Mallikarjuna, secretary of the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission, through an official statement.

Punetha was appointed on April 17 and is set to hold the position for a tenure of five years. He succeeds Nilam Sawhney, who previously served as chief secretary during the YSRCP government.

This change marks an important transition for the State Election Commission, as Punetha steps in with his extensive experience in administration to lead electoral proceedings in Andhra Pradesh.