ECI Suspension of 4 Bengal Officers Sparks Backlash, Mamata Criticises Action
The WBCS (Executive) Officers’ Association has written to the state chief secretary, seeking his intervention and calling for a reconsideration of the Election Commission’s decision.
The suspension of four government officers in West Bengal by the Election Commission of India (ECI) has led to strong responses from both the WBCS (Executive) Officers’ Association and chief minister Mamata Banerjee, further straining relations between the state government and the central poll body.
On August 5, the ECI suspended two Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and two Assistant EROs (AEROs) for allegedly assisting in the inclusion of bogus names in the voter list. Sources within the Election Commission claimed that the officers had allegedly shared confidential email login credentials with unauthorised persons, enabling tampering with the electoral rolls. After they were initially summoned by the Chief Electoral Officer in Kolkata, an inquiry reportedly found them guilty and referred the case to Delhi. Their suspension orders were then issued, along with instructions to the West Bengal Chief Secretary to file FIRs against the accused officials.
The suspended officials are:
- Debottam Dutta Choudhury – WBCS (Exe.), 2012 batch; ERO, 137-Baruipur Purba AC
- Tathagata Mondal – AERO, 137-Baruipur Purba AC
- Biplab Sarkar – WBCS (Exe.), 2012 batch; ERO, 206-Moyna AC
- Sudipta Das – AERO, 206-Moyna AC
In reaction, the WBCS (Executive) Officers’ Association sent a letter to the chief secretary, urging him to intervene and reconsider the Election Commission’s decision. The association argued that the officers had acted in good faith under challenging circumstances, and there was no proof of intentional wrongdoing.
“Administrative measures must be just, balanced, and take into account the service history and morale of the officers,” the letter read. It added that such harsh actions have “caused serious concern” among the officer cadre and might demotivate them at a time when integrity and impartiality in public service are most needed.
Experts noted that if the chief secretary fails to follow the Election Commission’s directives, the Commission may take disciplinary steps against him, as it possesses plenary authority under the Constitution.
Mamata Banerjee Labels EC as ‘BJP’s Bonded Labour’
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp criticism against the Election Commission regarding the suspensions. During a party internal meeting, she raised doubts about the legality and timing of the move.
“Government staff are being harassed. Two officers received suspension orders yesterday. Has the election even been declared yet? Under what law can they be suspended now?” she questioned, accusing the Election Commission of working on behalf of the BJP-led central government and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
BJP Justifies the Suspensions
On the other hand, the BJP has firmly supported the Election Commission, stating that the suspensions and the plan to file FIRs send a clear signal regarding the importance of clean elections.
Senior BJP leaders remarked that such firm action is vital to curb manipulation in the voter rolls and to reinforce public confidence in the election system.
