West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent criticism of the Election Commission (EC) has drawn sharp rebuke from opposition parties, with the BJP and JD(U) accusing her of politicising routine administrative actions ahead of the Assembly elections.

On Thursday, CM Banerjee alleged on social media that the EC had “summarily and arbitrarily” transferred more than 50 senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, DGP, and various district-level officers, ahead of the end-April polls. She described the move as a politicisation of impartial institutions and a direct threat to the Constitution, especially during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

BJP leader Dilip Ghosh countered, saying Banerjee “doesn’t have the right to question anything” and accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of using money and intimidation to influence voters. “Those police personnel loyal to the Trinamool have been jolted with the transfers, now the party is finding it difficult,” Ghosh added.

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JD(U) spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad echoed this view, calling the transfers “routine” and standard procedure in states with impending elections. JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar defended the SIR, stating that correcting voter lists, including removing dead names or duplicates, is necessary and has been conducted in Bihar as well. He also urged CM Banerjee to disclose details of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) in Bengal.

In contrast, Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Kumar Rai supported Banerjee, warning that political interference in election administration could undermine democratic processes.

The controversy highlights the tensions in West Bengal ahead of the Assembly polls, with CM Banerjee alleging that over 200 lives have already been lost during the flawed SIR process and claiming that the EC’s actions jeopardise public safety. Opposition parties, however, maintain that the transfers are standard administrative measures to ensure free and fair elections.

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