Kolkata, 20 February (H.S.) : A fresh confrontation appears to be brewing between the Election Commission of India and the West Bengal government over the interpretation of suspension orders issued against officials allegedly involved in irregularities during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

The state administration has maintained that the suspension announced by the Chief Minister was intended only to relieve the concerned officials of election-related responsibilities. According to the state government’s clarification, the officials may continue to discharge other administrative duties.

However, sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer have asserted that the Commission’s directives leave no scope for such an interpretation. The Commission has reportedly made it clear that suspension implies removal from all administrative responsibilities, not merely from election duties.

According to sources, the Commission has also instructed the state government to initiate departmental proceedings against the officials concerned. A senior functionary indicated that if the officers continue to hold administrative posts, it raises serious questions about the possibility of conducting an impartial departmental inquiry.

It is further learnt that the state government has been asked to submit a compliance report regarding the initiation of departmental proceedings. In the event of non-submission within the stipulated timeframe, the Commission may consider further action.

Political observers believe that if the state government insists on limiting the suspension to election-related duties alone, the officials concerned could face more stringent consequences in the future. Once the Model Code of Conduct comes into force ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled later this year, the Commission would be empowered to initiate punitive measures under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act.

At present, the Commission has suspended two Electoral Registration Officers, nine Assistant Electoral Registration Officers, one data entry operator, and three micro-observers. The micro-observers are employees of the Central government, while the remaining officials are under the jurisdiction of the state government.

The Commission is closely monitoring the situation, and further developments will depend on the action taken by the state government.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh