Agartala, May 1 (TIWN / IANS): The Election Commission has appointed Tripura government's Principal Secretary Sriram Taranikanti as the new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state, an official said here on Monday.

Taranikanti replaces S.K. Rakesh, who has moved to the central government on deputation.

Taranikanti is an IAS officer of 1992 batch Tripura cadre and was looking after Transport, Food, Civil Suppliers and Consumer Affairs departments.

Under his supervision the next assembly elections would be held in the Left-ruled state, an official said.

Elections to the 60-seat Tripura assembly are likely to be held in February next year along with Nagaland and Meghalaya.