Kolkata, 19 March (H.S.) : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised serious objections to the Election Commission over the large-scale transfer of senior bureaucrats ahead of the Assembly elections, terming the decisions “unilateral” and potentially disruptive to administrative stability.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the removal of several top officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Director General of Police, just before the elections. She argued that such decisions, taken without adequate justification, could adversely affect the functioning of the state administration.

Banerjee also alleged that the Election Commission transferred several District Election Officers without consulting the state government and deployed 15 senior police officers as observers in other poll-bound states. According to her, such actions go against established procedures and conventions.

Highlighting seasonal challenges, the Chief Minister pointed out that West Bengal frequently experiences severe thunderstorms, commonly known as Nor’westers, during March and April, often causing damage to life and property. She said experienced officers play a crucial role in disaster management and relief operations, and their sudden transfer could weaken emergency response mechanisms.

She further stated that officers brought in from outside the state may lack familiarity with the local language, geography and social conditions, which could create difficulties in maintaining law and order. She cautioned that the Election Commission would bear responsibility for any adverse consequences arising from such decisions.

In her letter, Banerjee urged the poll panel to refrain from what she described as “arbitrary and biased” actions and to uphold the spirit of cooperative federalism. She also emphasized that the elected state government continues to function during the election process and should not be undermined.

The Chief Minister called for a review of the decisions and stressed the need to protect democratic norms and institutional balance.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh