In a significant move on Monday evening, the Election Commission of India (ECI) removed 73 Returning Officers (ROs) in West Bengal, which is set to have elections in two phases on April 23 and April 29. This action has escalated tensions between the ECI and the West Bengal government, with the state government and the ruling Trinamool Congress already at odds with the Commission over the transfer of key bureaucrats and police officers.
West Bengal has a total of 294 Assembly constituencies, with one RO typically assigned to each. The removal of 73 ROs accounts for about 26% of all ROs in the state. The Commission issued a notification regarding this decision on Monday night.
A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Calcutta High Court challenging the ECI’s transfers of top bureaucrats and police officers from the state cadre. The initial hearing took place on Monday, where the ECI’s counsel explained that such transfers are based on specific requirements at the ground level.
During the hearing, the ECI’s counsel clarified to the Calcutta High Court that the Commission has the authority to make decisions ensuring a fair and violence-free polling process, tailored to each state’s needs. Details of transfers and replacements of bureaucrats and police officers in other states undergoing elections were also presented to the court.
The next hearing on this matter before the division bench of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen is scheduled for Wednesday.
