West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday launched a scathing assault on the Election Fee of India over the sweeping bureaucratic reshuffle within the state forward of Meeting elections, alleging that the transfer amounted to “political interference of the very best order” and that Bengal was being unfairly focused.
In a strongly worded put up on X, Banerjee mentioned, “The style through which the Election Fee has singled out and focused Bengal is not only unprecedented – It’s deeply alarming”.
“Even earlier than the formal notification of elections, greater than 50 senior officers together with the Chief Secretary, House Secretary, DGP, ADGs, IGs, DIGs, District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police have been summarily and arbitrarily eliminated,” she added.
Her assault got here simply days after the ballot panel changed the DGP and Chief Secretary. Dushyant Nariala took over from Nandini Chakravarty as Chief Secretary, whereas Siddh Nath Gupta succeeded Peeyush Pandey as DGP. A number of different senior officers, together with the Kolkata Police Commissioner, have been additionally moved.
Calling the train politically motivated, the Trinamool chief mentioned, “This isn’t administrative motion. Relatively, that is political interference of the very best order”.
Escalating her criticism, Banerjee mentioned, “The systematic politicisation of establishments meant to stay neutral is a direct assault on the Structure”.
She additional alleged bias within the ongoing electoral course of, stating, “At a time when a deeply flawed SIR course of is underway and over 200 lives have already been misplaced, the conduct of the Fee displays a transparent bias and an uncomfortable submission to political pursuits, persevering with to place the individuals of Bengal in danger”.
Mamata Banerjee additionally raised considerations about voter-related procedures, saying, “Supplementary electoral rolls are nonetheless not printed, in clear disregard of the Hon’ble Supreme Courtroom’s instructions, leaving residents anxious and unsure”.
Accusing authorities of weakening the state’s administrative equipment, the chief minister mentioned, “In the meantime, senior officers from vital companies like IB, STF and CID are being selectively eliminated and dispatched out of the state, pointing to a calculated try and cripple Bengal’s administrative equipment”.
Concentrating on the BJP, she requested, “Why is the BJP so determined?” and added, “Having didn’t win the belief of Bengal’s individuals, the BJP is now making an attempt to seize the state by means of coercion, intimidation, manipulation and the misuse of establishments”.
She went on to explain the scenario as “nothing wanting an undeclared emergency” and an “unpromulgated type of president’s rule” pushed by political vendetta, not democratic rules.
She expressed help for officers affected by the reshuffle, and mentioned she stood in full solidarity with each officer and their households, who’re “being focused” merely for serving the state with honesty and dedication.
“Bengal will battle, Bengal will resist and Bengal will decisively defeat each try and impose a divisive and harmful agenda on its soil,” she concluded.
MAMATA BANERJEE WRITES TO ELECTION COMMISSIONER
Mamata Banerjee additionally wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging bias and “critical overreach” by the Election Fee of India.
She mentioned she was “deeply shocked”and claimed the ballot physique had “crossed all boundaries of decency and constitutional propriety”.
She alleged that large-scale transfers of senior officers have been carried out “with none cogent causes,” disrupting administration.
She questioned the timing amid the continued SIR course of, calling it a “mockery of democracy”. Highlighting contradictions, she mentioned officers deemed ineligible have been later made observers. She warned that sudden removals might hamper legislation and order, catastrophe response and governance.
In the meantime, the Election Fee earlier mentioned the adjustments adopted a evaluation of ballot preparedness and directed that transferred officers shouldn’t be assigned election-related duties, whereas asking the state to make sure quick compliance.
The Trinamool Congress has backed Banerjee’s stance, alleging that the reshuffle was carried out on the behest of the Centre.
Meeting elections in West Bengal are scheduled for April 23 and 29, with relying on Might 4, setting the stage for a high-stakes political contest amid escalating tensions.
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