The West Bengal Assembly elections of 2026 stood out for their peaceful conduct and record-high voter turnout, a departure from the state’s history of electoral violence. Behind this success were three key officials in the Chief Electoral Officer’s office who coordinated operations efficiently from the background. These officials, dubbed “The Three Musketeers,” included CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal, special poll observer Subrata Gupta, and special police observer N.K. Mishra.
The trio faced significant challenges throughout the electoral process, contending with opposition from the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Mamata Banerjee-led government. Despite facing verbal attacks, administrative hurdles, and legal obstacles, the three officials navigated these challenges adeptly, ensuring a smooth and peaceful election with the highest voter turnout since independence.
CEO Agarwal, a senior IAS officer, played a pivotal role in the election process, with his strategic planning and transparent approach earning praise from the Election Commission of India. Subrata Gupta, the ECI-appointed special poll observer, leveraged technology and artificial intelligence to enhance transparency and efficiency in the polling process. Additionally, special police observer N.K. Mishra’s extensive experience in law enforcement in West Bengal contributed to the effective deployment of central forces, ensuring a peaceful polling and counting process.
