West Bengal Government Defends Officers Amid ECI's Disciplinary Demands

The West Bengal government has informed the Election Commission of India (ECI) that it will not suspend four officers from active election duty as per the poll panel's instructions. Instead, these officers have been removed from their electoral roles due to their demonstrated sincerity and competence, according to West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant's communication.

The government explained that it has initiated an internal inquiry concerning the issue and has undertaken a comprehensive review of existing procedures related to electoral processes. This response was communicated to the ECI within two hours of the 3 pm deadline set by the poll body for suspending the four officers.

The ECI had called for the suspension of two Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), two Assistant EROs, and a data entry operator over alleged irregularities in Baruipur Purba and Moyna. However, West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized the move, suggesting it reflects political intimidation by the BJP.

(With inputs from agencies.)