New Delhi: In a sweeping administrative intervention ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered a major reshuffle in the state’s bureaucracy and police establishment, replacing top officials and transferring several district-level officers to ensure a neutral election machinery.
Soon after the announcement of the poll schedule, the Commission directed the removal of several senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP) and the Commissioner of Kolkata Police. The move is seen as part of the Commission’s effort to ensure a level playing field and maintain administrative neutrality during the election process.
Senior IAS officer Nandini Chakravorty, who was serving as the Chief Secretary of West Bengal, was replaced following the Commission’s directive. She was succeeded by senior IAS officer Dushyant Nariala. Jagdeesh Prasad Meena was also removed from the post of Home Secretary.
The Election Commission simultaneously ordered changes in the state’s police leadership. Senior IPS officer Siddh Nath Gupta was appointed as Director General and Inspector General of Police (in-charge), while Ajay Kumar Nand was posted as the new Commissioner of Kolkata Police. Ajay Mukund Ranade was appointed as Additional Director General (Law and Order).
Beyond the top-level changes, the Commission ordered a large-scale reshuffle across the administrative and policing structure in the state. At least 27 officers were transferred and given new postings as part of the exercise.
Thirteen districts were assigned new District Magistrates who will also function as District Electoral Officers during the election period. The districts affected include North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, Murshidabad, Malda, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar.
The police establishment also witnessed extensive changes. Nineteen IPS officers were transferred, including six police commissioners and thirteen Superintendents of Police. In addition, the Election Commission appointed new Deputy Inspectors General to supervise five police ranges in the state.
Officials said such reshuffles are a standard practice during elections and are aimed at ensuring that officers involved in the conduct of polls are perceived to be impartial and independent.
With the state gearing up for a high-stakes electoral contest, the Election Commission’s sweeping changes underline its attempt to strengthen administrative oversight and maintain law and order during the polling process.
BI Bureau
