ECI transfers 184 inspector-ranking police officers in West Bengal ahead of Assembly polls, triggering political controversy as Trinamool Congress questions neutrality while legal scrutiny continues in Calcutta High Court before crucial voting phases.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the transfer of 184 inspector-ranking police officers across the state. The decision, announced on Sunday evening, is being viewed as part of a broader strategy to ensure neutrality and fairness during the upcoming electoral process.
According to official sources, out of the 184 officers transferred, 153 belong to the state police force, while 31 are from the Kolkata Police. Most of these officers were serving as inspectors-in-charge or officers-in-charge at various police stations, positions considered crucial for maintaining law and order during elections.
The latest reshuffle comes shortly after the Commission ordered the transfer of 83 Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) earlier the same day. These moves are part of a phased administrative overhaul initiated by the ECI since March 15, when the two-phase polling schedule for the Assembly elections was officially announced.
The transfer exercise has been conducted in multiple stages. Initially, top-tier bureaucrats—including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and senior police officials such as Director Generals—were shifted. This was followed by transfers at the mid-level, involving District Magistrates and senior police officers like Superintendents and Deputy Commissioners.
The current phase targets lower-tier officials in both civil and police administration. This includes Additional District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Officers, and Block Development Officers, along with police personnel such as Additional Superintendents, Deputy Superintendents, and Inspectors.
However, the large-scale reshuffle has sparked political controversy. The ruling Trinamool Congress has strongly criticized the Commission’s actions. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that the transfers are being carried out under pressure from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), raising questions about the impartiality of the poll body.
Adding a legal dimension to the issue, a public interest litigation challenging these transfers was recently heard in the Calcutta High Court. While the hearing has concluded, the court has reserved its judgment, leaving uncertainty over the legality of the Commission’s decisions.
The elections in West Bengal are scheduled to be held in two phases—on April 23 and April 29. The first phase will cover 152 Assembly constituencies, while the remaining 142 will go to polls in the second phase. The counting of votes is set for May 4.
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As the political temperature rises, the ECI maintains that such transfers are routine measures aimed at ensuring a level playing field. Observers note that the effectiveness of these steps will be closely scrutinized in one of India’s most politically charged states.
