The West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer announced the suspension of three micro-observers by the Election Commission of India for neglecting their duties during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision in the state. These suspended micro-observers include a manager from Bengal Grameen Bikash Bank, a senior manager from UCO Bank, and a Central Excise Inspector, all appointed by the ECI for the SIR exercise. A departmental inquiry has been initiated into the conduct of these government officials as ordered by the Commission.
The ECI had previously suspended seven assistant electoral registration officers (AEROs), who are West Bengal government officials, for similar dereliction of duty. The state government has been directed to commence departmental proceedings against these AEROs. However, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee clarified that while the AEROs will be relieved from SIR-related responsibilities, they will not lose their jobs but will be assigned alternative roles within the government.
Banerjee criticized the ECI for unilaterally suspending the AEROs without providing them an opportunity to present their side of the story. She expressed concerns about the Commission’s approach towards electoral officers and its interference in the state government’s jurisdiction, urging the ECI to adopt a more democratic operating style.
