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MHA Extends West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta’s Tenure by Six Months

The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved a six-month extension for West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta, who was set to retire on April 30, 2026. Gupta is a 1992-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre. Meanwhile, Hooghly district authorities have implemented extensive security arrangements for the second phase of Assembly elections on April 29, including a silence period and a 100-metre "no man's land" around polling stations. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

Key Points: West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta Gets 6-Month Extension

  • MHA grants six-month extension to West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta
  • Gupta, a 1992-batch IPS officer, was to retire on April 30, 2026
  • Hooghly DM announces strict security measures for second phase polling
  • Silence period from April 27 evening, no outsiders allowed in Hooghly district
2 min read

MHA grants six-month extension to West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta

MHA approves six-month extension for West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta beyond retirement. Arrangements for second phase of Assembly polls on April 29.

"Only voters will be allowed to queue within the 100-metre zone, while candidates will be permitted to set up small assistance booths beyond 200 metres from polling stations. - Khurshid Ali Kaderi"

New Delhi, April 27

The Ministry of Home Affairs approved an extension for West Bengal Director General of Police Siddh Nath Gupta for six months, an official order stated on Monday.

Gupta, a 1992-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the West Bengal cadre, was scheduled to retire on April 30, 2026. The extension grants him an additional six months in service beyond his original retirement date.

In a separate development, the concerned authorities in Hooghly district and the Chandannagar Police Commissionerate have put in place extensive arrangements to ensure free, fair and violence-free polling for the second phase of Assembly elections in West Bengal, officials said on Sunday.

Addressing a press conference here, Hooghly District Magistrate (DM) and District Election Officer (DEO) Khurshid Ali Kaderi said that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) have been promulgated. The silence period will come into force from 6:00 pm on April 27 and remain effective until the completion of polling.

He added that no outsiders who are not voters of the Hooghly district will be allowed to stay within the district during the restricted period. On the day of polling, a 100-metre radius around polling stations will be declared a "no man's land" and will be fully secured by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

Only voters will be allowed to queue within the 100-metre zone, while candidates will be permitted to set up small assistance booths beyond 200 metres from polling stations.

The polling for the second phase for the remaining 142 Assembly seats in West Bengal is scheduled for April 29, with counting of votes to take place on May 4.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Six-month extension for DGP Gupta is interesting timing. Classic bureaucratic move—keep a trusted officer in place until after the elections. The 'no man's land' around polling stations with CAPF security is a strong step. Let's hope the silence period actually brings some calm. Bengal deserves fair polls.
V
Vikram M
Section 163 of BNSS being imposed and no outsiders allowed in Hooghly—this is serious stuff. The 100-metre rule is strict but necessary after past violence in Bengal. DGP extension might add stability, but I hope the police remain impartial during the election. Let the people vote without fear.
S
Sarah B
As someone who grew up in Hooghly, these measures sound reassuring but also a bit daunting. The silence period from April 27 evening shows the administration is taking no chances. Extension for DGP Gupta might ensure continuity in law enforcement. Counting of votes on May 4—fingers crossed for a peaceful result!
R
Rajesh Q
I'm skeptical about these 'free and fair' claims given Bengal's history. Extension to DGP Gupta is OK, but what about the bias in local police? The CAPF deployment is good, but Section 163 orders need strict enforcement. Let's watch the April 29 polling—actions will speak louder than press conferences.
N
Neha E
The DM saying 'no outsiders' will be allowed in Hooghly during restricted period—that's a bit extreme but maybe needed after past trouble. It's good to see DGP Gupta getting an extension; continuity in leadership during election season is crucial. We need to ensure every vote counts. Wishing a smooth polling day for all! ✌️

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