NewKerala.com

ECI Transfers Bengal Chief Secretary, Home Secretary Ahead of Polls

The Election Commission of India has ordered the immediate transfer of West Bengal's Chief Secretary and Home Secretary ahead of the state assembly elections. Dushyant Nariala has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary, replacing Nandini Chakraborty. Sanghamitra Ghosh has been posted as the Principal Secretary for Home and Hill Affairs. The transfers are part of the EC's review of poll preparedness for the elections scheduled in April 2026.

Key Points: ECI Transfers West Bengal Top Officers Before Assembly Elections

  • ECI orders immediate transfer of senior officers
  • Dushyant Nariala appointed new Chief Secretary
  • Sanghamitra Ghosh made Principal Home Secretary
  • Transfers part of poll preparedness review
  • Officers barred from election posts
2 min read

ECI transfers West Bengal Chief Secretary, Home Secretary ahead of assembly polls

Election Commission transfers West Bengal Chief Secretary and Home Secretary with immediate effect ahead of the 2026 state assembly polls.

"The directions of the Commission to be implemented with immediate effect - ECI Letter"

New Delhi, March 16

The Election Commission of India announced the transfer of senior officers in the state government, following the announcement of the West Bengal assembly elections scheduled to be held in two phases.

In a letter dated March 15, addressed to the Chief Secretary of the West Bengal government in Kolkata, the EC said it has reviewed the poll preparedness for the general election to the legislative assembly of West Bengal and directs the following transfers.

The EC has directed that Dushyant Nariala (IAS-1993) be posted as Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal.

Ms Sanghamitra Ghosh (IAS-1997) has been posted as Principal Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs, Government of West Bengal.

"I am directed to state that the Commission has reviewed the poll preparedness for the General Election to Legislative Assembly of West Bengal, 2026 and directs the following: Dushyant Nariala, (IAS-1993) be posted as Chief Secretary, Govt. of West Bengal. Sanghamitra Ghosh, (IAS-1997) be posted as Principal Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs, Govt. of West Bengal," the letter signed by Sujeet Kumar Mishra, Secretary, ECI, read.

"The directions of the Commission to be implemented with immediate effect and a compliance report in respect of joining of above officers be sent by 03:00 PM on March 16, 2026. Further, the officers transferred out shall not be posted in any election related posts till the completion of elections," the letter said.

The EC has removed the current Chief Secretary, Nandini Chakraborty, from her post and appointed Dushyant Nariala in her place.

This comes after the EC on Sunday announced the schedule for upcoming assembly elections in four states, including West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam, along with one Union Territory, Puducherry.

The polling in West Bengal will be conducted in two phases on April 23 and 29. Kerala and Assam will vote in a single phase on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will go to the polls on April 23. Voting in Puducherry will also take place on April 9. The counting of votes for all four states and Puducherry will be held on May 4, the ECI announced.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Good move! The timing is critical. Transferring officials who might have political leanings before elections is a standard practice to prevent misuse of power. The ECI is doing its job. 👍
A
Arun Y
While I understand the need for neutrality, one has to wonder if this disrupts administrative continuity. The new officers have very little time to settle in before the polls. A double-edged sword.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this happen across multiple states. It shows the ECI is being proactive for the entire election season, not just one state. The directive to not post them in election-related roles is smart.
K
Kavya N
As a Bengali, I just hope this leads to peaceful elections. Our state has seen too much violence in the past. May the best party win, but let it be a fair fight without administrative bias. 🤞
V
Vikram M
The speed is impressive – compliance report by 3 PM tomorrow! This is how institutions should function, with clear deadlines. Now, all parties must respect the EC's authority and focus on campaigning.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50