The Election Commission of India has replaced the police observer for the Nandigram Assembly constituency in West Bengal. This constituency is significant as it is the native constituency of Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly. The change comes just two days before the first phase of polling in the state on April 23.
Initially, Hitesh Chowdhury was appointed as the police observer for Nandigram. However, a fresh order issued by the Election Commission on Tuesday afternoon named Akhilesh Singh as the replacement. The Commission stated that the replacement would take immediate effect, but did not provide a reason for the sudden change right before the polls.
The decision to replace the police observer was reportedly made to enhance security in Nandigram, considering its sensitivity. The move follows a complaint lodged by the Trinamool Congress against the officer-in-charge of the Nandigram Police Station. The complaint alleged inaction by the officer on complaints against certain local BJP leaders.
The Trinamool Congress candidate for Nandigram this year is Pabitra Kar, a former BJP leader from the constituency and a former close associate of Adhikari. Kar joined the Trinamool Congress shortly before the party officially announced its candidates for the West Bengal Assembly polls.
