The Union Home Ministry, following the Election Commission of India’s recommendations, has decided to elevate the security grade for West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Agarwal, to the “Y” category. This upgrade entitles him to security cover by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel. Additionally, CAPF personnel will now be stationed at the CEO’s office in central Kolkata as per the directives.
The Election Commission had suggested to the Union Home Ministry the deployment of CAPF personnel at the CEO’s office and enhancing the CEO’s personal security. Both recommendations were approved by the Union Home Ministry on Saturday. Y-category security, a significant level of personal protection, involves approximately eight security personnel, including armed commandos, based on threat assessments by central agencies.
The enhanced security for the CEO became imperative due to ongoing protests by some booth-level officers outside the CEO’s office in central Kolkata, primarily directed at the CEO. Despite warnings from the Commission, the Kolkata Police had not taken sufficient action to address the situation. Therefore, the upgraded security for the CEO was deemed necessary and unavoidable, according to a source from the CEO’s office.
Amidst continuous criticism from the ruling Trinamool Congress, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal has faced severe backlash since assuming the position. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, without directly naming him, has publicly criticized Agarwal and accused him of past involvement in corrupt activities. Subsequently, a group of booth-level officers associated with the Trinamool initiated regular protests outside the CEO’s office.
