Within hours of announcing the West Bengal Assembly election schedule, the Election Commission has tightened its scrutiny over administrative changes in the state. The Commission has now sought a detailed report on police officers transferred during the month of March. Along with the transfer list, authorities have also been asked to clarify whether any retired police officers have been given fresh postings.
A letter in this regard has already been sent to the West Bengal Police by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). The Commission has directed the state police to submit the complete report by 11 AM on Monday.
According to the directive, the state government must provide a comprehensive list of all police officers transferred since February 28. The list must be accompanied by copies of the official transfer orders issued during this period.
The Election Commission had announced the schedule for the West Bengal Assembly elections on Sunday. Polling in the state will be conducted in two phases — the lowest number of phases in recent years for an Assembly election in West Bengal. Soon after the announcement, the Commission intensified its monitoring of administrative and policing arrangements.
On Sunday itself, the Additional Chief Electoral Officer wrote to the ADG (Legal) of the West Bengal Police and the police nodal officer seeking the transfer details. The Commission has made it clear that all transfers made after February 28 must be reported with full documentation.
The Commission has also sought another crucial set of data related to law and order during previous elections. It has asked for the names of police officers who were in charge of police stations during incidents of violence after the 2021 Assembly elections, as well as during the period before, during, and after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The Election Commission has set a strict deadline for this information as well. The state police have been instructed to submit the list by 4 PM on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Commission has already initiated major administrative reshuffles in the state following the poll announcement. On Sunday night, two top bureaucrats were removed from their positions.
Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty was relieved of her duties, while Home Secretary Jagdish Prasad Meena was also removed from the post.
Dushmanta Nariala has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary, replacing Chakraborty. Sanghamitra Ghosh will take charge as the new Home Secretary. The Election Commission has directed both officials to assume their responsibilities by 3 PM on Monday.
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