Kolkata, 12 March (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday asked district magistrates not to feel intimidated ahead of the upcoming assembly elections and urged them to continue performing their duties without fear, sources said.

Addressing a virtual meeting with district magistrates, Banerjee said officials should focus on their responsibilities and not be worried by developments related to the poll process.

Referring to a recent meeting between Election Commission officials and district magistrates and superintendents of police in Kolkata earlier this week, the chief minister criticised what she described as attempts to “intimidate” officials.

“Do not be afraid. Continue doing your work. No one will be able to do anything,” she told the officers, according to sources.

Banerjee also asked the officials to remain vigilant about the entry of “outsiders” into the state ahead of the elections. She claimed that attempts were being made to bring people from outside West Bengal in view of the polls.

The chief minister directed district authorities to keep a close watch and conduct checks, including hotel inspections and naka checking, to prevent such activities.

Banerjee also said that transfers of administrative and police officials ahead of elections were routine and urged officers not to feel demoralised if they were shifted.

She assured that those transferred by the Election Commission could be considered for promotions later, sources said.

The chief minister further asked officials to keep strict vigil over electronic voting machines (EVMs) to ensure that no tampering takes place during the election process.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey