VoterList – Seven Bengal Poll Officials Suspended by EC
VoterList – The Election Commission has taken disciplinary action in West Bengal following alleged irregularities linked to the Special Intensive Revision process.
The Election Commission has suspended seven officials in West Bengal with immediate effect, citing serious misconduct, negligence of duty and alleged misuse of statutory authority during the ongoing revision of the electoral rolls. The action was taken under the provisions of electoral law that empower the Commission to enforce accountability among officers assigned to election-related responsibilities.
Officials Suspended Over Alleged Lapses
According to official orders, the suspended officers were serving as assistant electoral registration officers. The individuals named in the directive are Dr. Sefaur Rahaman, Dalia Ray Choudhury, Nitish Das, Sk. Murshid Alam, Satyajit Das, Joydeep Kundu and Debashis Biswas.
Assistant electoral registration officers play a key role in maintaining the accuracy of the voter list. They are responsible for scrutinising applications for inclusion or deletion of names and ensuring that the electoral rolls remain updated in line with established guidelines.
The Commission did not publicly disclose detailed findings behind each suspension but stated that the action was warranted due to serious procedural lapses and failure to discharge statutory responsibilities.
Direction to State Government for Immediate Proceedings
In its communication to the West Bengal government, the Election Commission directed Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravarty to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the suspended officials without delay. The Commission has asked that action be undertaken by the respective cadre controlling authorities and that updates on the progress of the proceedings be shared promptly.
Officials familiar with the matter indicated that the Commission expects strict compliance and timely reporting, underscoring its intent to reinforce institutional discipline during the electoral roll revision process.
Role of Electoral Officers in Revision Process
Booth-level officers, electoral registration officers and their assistants are typically state government employees deputed to work under the supervision of the Election Commission during election-related exercises. Their duties include verifying voter credentials, processing claims and objections, and facilitating smooth conduct of elections.
The Special Intensive Revision exercise currently underway aims to update and refine the voter list ahead of future electoral events. Such revisions are conducted periodically to remove duplicate entries, include eligible voters and correct inaccuracies.
Given the importance of the process, the Commission has reiterated that strict adherence to procedure is essential to maintain public trust in the electoral system.
Ongoing Tensions Over Voter Roll Revision
The suspension order comes against the backdrop of continuing friction between the Election Commission and the Trinamool Congress-led government in West Bengal over the conduct of the Special Intensive Revision. Differences have emerged in recent weeks regarding aspects of implementation and oversight.
While the Commission maintains that the revision is being carried out in accordance with established legal provisions, leaders of the ruling party in the state have raised concerns about certain operational aspects. The developments have added a layer of political sensitivity to what is fundamentally an administrative exercise.
Despite the disagreements, the Commission has stated that ensuring the integrity of the voter list remains its primary responsibility. It has emphasized that any deviation from prescribed norms will invite strict action.
The suspension of the seven officials signals a firm stance by the Election Commission at a time when scrutiny of electoral processes is high. As disciplinary proceedings begin, attention will remain focused on how both the Commission and the state administration navigate the ongoing revision exercise.