The Election Commission of India (ECI) has informed the West Bengal government that no changes will be permitted in the list of 15 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and 10 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers from West Bengal cadre selected as central poll observers for other states. These officers must report to New Delhi for a two-day training program starting Thursday. The ECI rejected the West Bengal government’s proposed alternative names for the central poll observer positions.
The ECI’s decision follows objections raised by the West Bengal government, particularly regarding the selection of the state Home Secretary, Jagdish Prasad Meena, as a central poll observer. While it is uncommon for a state home secretary to be chosen for this role, the Commission is not restricted from doing so. Despite the state government’s suggestions for alternative officers, the ECI upheld its original selection of 15 IAS and 10 IPS officers.
The Trinamool Congress criticized the ECI’s decision, labeling it unilateral and alleging bias towards the BJP. However, the ECI placed responsibility on the state government for the situation, citing the government’s disregard for earlier requests to nominate officers for central poll observer roles. The Commission’s final decision was necessitated by the state government’s non-compliance with previous communications.
