The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has called for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take direct disciplinary action against electoral officers accused of irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal. Adhikari emphasized the need for the ECI to initiate FIRs against such officers instead of relying on advisories to the state government.
Adhikari also urged Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) to disregard verbal instructions from district magistrates (DMs) acting as District Electoral Officers (DEOs). He cautioned against violating ECI guidelines, highlighting potential job loss and legal consequences for non-compliance.
During a virtual meeting, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar reportedly rebuked seven DMs/DEOs in West Bengal for alleged violations of the ECI guidelines in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision exercise. The CEC clarified that DMs/DEOs do not have the authority to question micro-observers appointed by the Commission.
The CEC issued a general warning to all DMs/DEOs regarding possible disciplinary action for negligence, which could impact their annual confidential reports and career progression.
