West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) over its recent decision to transfer several senior officials in the state ahead of elections.
Soon after the poll schedule was announced, the ECI ordered a series of major administrative changes. Top officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police and the Kolkata Police Commissioner, were replaced along with many other officers.
Reacting sharply, Banerjee called the move “unfair” and said it felt like an attempt to control the state administration during a sensitive time. She questioned why such large-scale transfers were made suddenly and without consulting the state government. According to her, this breaks the usual practice where states are asked to suggest names before key officials are changed.
In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, she expressed concern over what she described as a lack of transparency and due process. She argued that removing so many officers at once could disrupt governance and affect ongoing administrative work.
However, the Election Commission has defended its actions. Officials say that during elections, the Commission has full authority to transfer or reassign officers involved in poll duties to ensure neutrality. The aim, they maintain, is to create a level playing field and prevent any possible bias.
Former election officials have also pointed out that while consultation with states is often followed as a convention, it is not a legal requirement. The Commission can act independently if it believes changes are necessary for free and fair elections.
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