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CEC Warns Bengal Officials: Action for Poll Duty Lapses Even After Elections

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar issued a stern warning to West Bengal's district and police officials during an ECI meeting. He stated the Commission has the authority to initiate departmental proceedings against officers for duty failures even after the Assembly elections conclude. The CEC directed police to confiscate illegal firearms, act strictly against violence at all stages, and immediately register FIRs for fake news. The full bench of the ECI will meet with top state bureaucrats and police officers on the second day of its visit.

Key Points: CEC Warns Bengal Officials of Post-Poll Action for Lapses

  • Warning against poll violence
  • Action for duty lapses post-results
  • Confiscate illegal arms
  • Strict action on fake news
  • Police must remain neutral
2 min read

CEC warns Bengal officials of action for poll duty lapses even after elections

CEC Gyanesh Kumar warns Bengal police and officials of departmental proceedings for election duty failures, even after results are declared.

"he would not tolerate any reports of violence or the use of firearms or crude bombs during the elections this year - CEO Office Insider"

Kolkata, March 9

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday cautioned district magistrates, superintendents of police and commissioners of different police commissionerates in West Bengal that the Election Commission of India has the authority to initiate departmental proceedings against officers found guilty of dereliction of duty even after the forthcoming Assembly elections in the state are over.

The CEC issued the warning during a separate meeting between the full bench of the ECI and the district magistrates, superintendents of police and heads of various police commissionerates on Monday afternoon, the first day of the Commission's two-day visit to West Bengal.

"During the meeting, the CEC issued a strong warning that he would not tolerate any reports of violence or the use of firearms or crude bombs during the elections this year. He also instructed the police to confiscate all illegal firearms and crude bombs as far as possible before the elections," said an insider from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, aware of the proceedings of the meeting.

He also directed the police to deal strictly with instances of violence not just before or during the polls but also after the polls are over and the results are declared.

"The CEC also reminded officials of several instances of post-poll violence in West Bengal after the 2021 Assembly elections," the CEO's office insider said.

The CEC also cautioned the police and directed them to refrain from acting on behalf of any political party.

"He also directed the police to immediately register FIRs in instances of the spread of fake news or misinformation on social media," the CEO's office insider said.

On March 10, the Commission's full bench will hold meetings with top bureaucrats and senior police officers of the state government, including Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty and the state's acting Director General of Police Peeyush Pandey.

The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. and will be followed by a press conference to be addressed by the CEC.

The Commission's full bench will return to Delhi later on March 10.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Finally! Officials should be neutral servants of the constitution, not of any political party. The directive to act against fake news is also very important. Social media rumors can incite so much tension.
A
Aman W
Good step by CEC. But will it be implemented on the ground? In Bengal, the administration is often seen as partisan. The real test is whether the police will confiscate illegal weapons impartially. 🤞
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in election monitoring, this is a standard but vital reminder. The authority to initiate proceedings *after* elections is key—it removes the pressure on officials from the ruling party during the polls. Hope it ensures peace.
V
Vikram M
Words are easy. Action is difficult. We have heard such warnings before every election. The ECI needs to name and shame officers who fail in their duty, and not just issue memos. Our democracy deserves better.
N
Nisha Z
The focus on post-poll violence is the most important part. The fear doesn't end on voting day. Common people are the ones who suffer if goons are allowed to roam free after results. Hope this warning is taken seriously. 🙏

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