New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS): Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi and former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Monday condoled the death of former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) T.N. Seshan, remembering his role in strengthening the poll panel.

"A seasoned civil servant who went up to serve as the Cabinet Secretary, Seshan will always be remembered for strengthening the Election Commission of India and pioneering many a far reaching electoral reforms," said Sonia Gandhi .

Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi also took to Twitter and lauded Seshan for being "impartial, brave and feared" as the CEC.

"Unlike today, there was a time when our Election Commissioners were impartial, respected, brave and feared. Seshan was one of them. My condolences to his family on his passing," he tweeted.

Seshan, who was known for ushering in reforms to ensure free and fair polls, passed away at his residence in Chennai on Sunday following cardiac arrest, family sources said. He was 86.

An IAS officer, who rose to become Cabinet Secretary, Seshan became the 10th Chief Election Commissioner of India after retirement, serving from December 12, 1990 to December 11, 1996.