Kolkata, 21 April (HS): The Election Commission has replaced the police observer for the high-profile Nandigram Assembly constituency in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, two days ahead of polling. A senior poll panel official confirmed the development on Tuesday.

According to the official, Hitesh Choudhury, who was serving as the police observer for Nandigram, has been removed and replaced by Akhilesh Singh.

The decision came a day after the Trinamool Congress levelled allegations of bias against the Officer-in-Charge of Nandigram Police Station. In a letter sent to the police observer on Monday, the party alleged that complaints lodged by its workers against BJP members were not being acted upon.

The official said the ruling party had sought immediate intervention from the police observer, and the order replacing the observer was issued soon after the complaint was received.

The Election Commission has deployed 84 police observers across West Bengal to monitor law and order arrangements during the elections. Each officer has been assigned multiple Assembly constituencies.

Earlier, the Commission had also replaced observers posted in Malda and Jangipur.

Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Legislative Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes will take place on May 4.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh