The Election Commission of India has appointed IAS officer Archana Patnaik as the new Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu, replacing Satyabrata Sahoo. Ms. Patnaik, currently serving as the Secretary of the MSME Department, will assume her new role immediately. Mr. Sahoo has been transferred to the Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Department as Secretary. This appointment comes ahead of any upcoming elections in the state, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership within the Election Commission.