The Election Commission of India has named Neelam Meena, a 1998-batch Indian Administrative Service officer from West Bengal, as the new Chief Electoral Officer of the state. This appointment follows the previous CEO, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, becoming the state’s Chief Secretary under the new BJP-led state Cabinet led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Meena, who was the senior-most among three IAS officers recommended by the state government, was chosen for the role.
The Election Commission’s Principal Secretary, Rahul Sharma, has directed the outgoing CEO and current Chief Secretary, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, to ensure a smooth transition for Meena. Agarwal, who took office as CEO in March 2025, previously held positions in the state’s Fire and Emergency Services, Forest, and Disaster Management Department under the previous government. The ECI’s decision to appoint Meena aligns with the state government’s recommendation following Agarwal’s transfer to the Chief Secretary position.
The ECI’s move to appoint Meena as the new CEO of West Bengal was anticipated, given her seniority among the three candidates proposed by the state government. Meena, who served as the Principal Secretary to the Department of Consumer Affairs, is set to assume her new role promptly, as per the Election Commission’s instructions. The transition process is expected to be completed within a week, as communicated by the ECI to Agarwal, who is now tasked with facilitating Meena’s takeover as CEO.
