The Election Commission of India has turned down the request of Supratim Sarkar, former Kolkata Police Commissioner and current Additional Director General of CID in West Bengal, to be excused from his duty as a central observer in Tamil Nadu. Sarkar has been instructed to serve as the police observer for five constituencies in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, including Tirunelveli, Ambasamudram, Palayamkottai, Nanguneri, and Radhapuram. Despite seeking relief on medical grounds, Sarkar is now obliged to report to Tamil Nadu by Monday.
On April 4, the Election Commission had initially assigned Sarkar as a police observer in Tamil Nadu. However, following his plea for exemption due to health reasons, the Commission has upheld its decision, compelling Sarkar to fulfill his duties in Tamil Nadu. Sarkar’s recent appointment as Kolkata Police Commissioner by the Mamata government was short-lived, as he was replaced after the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, with Ajay Nana taking over his position as per the ECI’s orders.
Amidst demands from opposition parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party, Sarkar’s transfer out of West Bengal during the election period was advocated to prevent any potential bias in favor of the ruling Trinamool Congress. The upcoming two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal are scheduled for April 23 and April 29, with the results set to be announced on May 4.
