Representatives from various state and central agencies faced criticism from the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, during a significant meeting with the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) full bench and nodal officers for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. The ECI’s full bench, led by the CEC, is currently in West Bengal for a two-day visit to assess the resolution of voter discrepancies and readiness for the upcoming polls.
Following discussions with political parties, the ECI’s full bench met with nodal officers from different agencies, including senior officials from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in West Bengal. Some agency representatives incurred the CEC’s displeasure during the session.
The CEC emphasized that no individual from any agency, whether central or state, would be exempt from consequences for intentional lapses in their duties. He warned that the Commission would not only demand explanations but also take disciplinary measures for such actions.
The CEC stressed that digital evidence would enable the ECI to pursue offenders even after the brief period of ECI administration. Additionally, the state Excise Department was directed to monitor liquor production during the election period to prevent exceeding normal levels.
The ECI’s full bench also alerted the state government to monitor illegal liquor production near borders and urged the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to prevent the misuse of black money in the electoral process. Furthermore, the CEC reprimanded the current Additional Director General (Law & Order) for the absence of a narcotics advisory committee in West Bengal.
