ECI Sets Deadline for Bengal Official Suspensions

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a firm deadline to West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, demanding the suspension of four officials and a compliance report by 3 PM on August 11, 2025, following allegations of irregularities in voter registration processes. This directive, signed by ECI Secretary Sujeet Kumar Mishra, escalates tensions after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly vowed not to comply, positioning herself as a protector of state bureaucrats against what she termed undue interference.

The officials, including two Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and two Assistant EROs from Baruipur Purba and Moyna constituencies, face accusations of sharing login credentials with unauthorized persons and improperly adding names to electoral rolls without verification.

Banerjee's refusal stems from her assertion that the ECI lacks jurisdiction outside election periods, labeling the commission as "bonded labourers" of the BJP and accusing it of intimidating state employees ahead of the 2026 assembly polls.

At a Jhargram rally, she assured officers of her government's support, questioning the legality of suspensions when no elections have been announced and alleging a conspiracy to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) through the backdoor via Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. This standoff highlights ongoing friction between the TMC-led state and central authorities, with Banerjee challenging Union Home Minister Amit Shah directly on similar issues.

The ECI's probe, initiated after a report from West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer, revealed lapses such as bypassing claims and objections periods, potentially amounting to criminal misconduct under the Representation of the People Act, 1950. An FIR is also mandated against a casual data entry operator involved.

The West Bengal Civil Service (Executive) Officers' Association has urged Pant to intervene, arguing the measures seem harsh and emphasizing the officers' sincere efforts under challenging conditions. This case echoes broader concerns over electoral integrity, as seen in Bihar's recent SIR, which Banerjee claims could disenfranchise genuine voters by demanding outdated documents like parental birth certificates.

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Amid preparations for West Bengal's 2026 elections, where TMC seeks to retain power against BJP's push, the controversy could influence voter trust and administrative morale. The ECI insists on zero tolerance for data breaches, having previously acted on similar complaints in other states to ensure fair polls. Non-compliance might lead to further escalation, potentially involving court interventions or central oversight, as the state explores legal challenges to the order.

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