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ECI Replaces 5 Police Observers in Bengal After TMC's BJP Link Allegation

The Election Commission of India has replaced five police observers appointed for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. The move came after the Trinamool Congress submitted a written complaint alleging one observer, Jayant Kant, is married to a Bihar-based BJP leader. He has been replaced by another Bihar-cadre IPS officer, Hriday Kant, for four constituencies in Malda district. This action has intensified the political conflict, with the TMC accusing the ECI of acting for the BJP, while the BJP defends the moves as necessary for free and fair polls.

Key Points: Bengal Polls: ECI Replaces Police Observers Amid TMC-BJP Row

  • ECI replaces 5 police observers
  • TMC alleged BJP link for one officer
  • Jayant Kant replaced by Hriday Kant in Malda
  • Transfers spark major political tussle
2 min read

Bengal polls: ECI replaces five police observers ahead of Assembly elections

Election Commission replaces five police observers in West Bengal after TMC alleges one is married to a BJP leader. New appointments made for key districts.

"After reviewing the Trinamool Congress's written submission... the ECI decided to replace him - CEO Office Insider"

Kolkata, March 28

The Election Commission of India on Saturday replaced as many as five police observers from other states who had been appointed for the forthcoming two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal next month.

Of the five observers removed, one is Jayant Kant, a Bihar-cadre Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who had been assigned to four Assembly constituencies in the minority-dominated Malda district.

He was replaced following a written submission from the Trinamool Congress, which alleged that he is the husband of a Bihar-based Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader. "After reviewing the Trinamool Congress's written submission in the matter, the Election Commission of India (ECI) decided to replace him," said an insider from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal.

Another Bihar-cadre IPS officer, Hriday Kant, has been appointed as the new observer for the four Assembly constituencies in Malda district.

The other police observers who have been replaced were in charge of constituencies in Murshidabad, West Burdwan, and West Midnapore districts.

Ahead of elections, the Commission appoints three types of observers based on the requirements of each Assembly constituency.

This time, one general observer has been appointed for each of the 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal. In addition to the 294 general observers, there are police observers and expenditure observers as well.

In West Bengal, 84 police observers have been appointed for the Assembly elections -- the highest among the five poll-bound states and Union Territories. Voting will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29 across 294 constituencies in the state.

In the first phase, polling will be held in 152 constituencies, while the remaining 142 constituencies will go to the polls in the second phase. The results will be declared on May 4.

A major political tussle has already broken out in West Bengal over the ECI's decision to undertake large-scale transfers, replacements, and deputations of bureaucrats and police officers from the state to other regions ahead of the elections.

The ruling Trinamool Congress has accused the Commission of acting on behalf of the BJP. On the other hand, the BJP has maintained that such transfers, replacements, and deputations are necessary to ensure free, fair, and violence-free polling in the state.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The political blame game has started already! 🤦‍♂️ Every party will cry foul. At least the ECI acted swiftly on the complaint. Hope the new observers ensure peaceful voting. Bengal elections are always high-voltage.
A
Aman W
Respectfully, while transparency is key, this sets a tricky precedent. Any party can now get an observer removed by alleging connections. The ECI must be extra careful not to appear influenced by political pressure from any side.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see 84 police observers appointed for Bengal, the highest among all states. It shows the Commission is taking the security situation very seriously. Hope it leads to a smooth electoral process.
V
Vikram M
The large-scale transfers before elections are always controversial. But if it helps reduce violence and booth capturing, it's a necessary step. The real test is on polling day. Jai Hind!
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Nisha Z
Good move! An observer's spouse being an active politician from any party is a clear conflict of interest. The ECI did the right thing by listening to the complaint. Now, let's hope for a fair fight on issues, not just accusations.

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