Election Commission Issues Stern Ultimatum to West Bengal Government Over Poll Directive Lapses
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has expressed strong displeasure with the West Bengal government over what it describes as repeated failures to comply with key election-related instructions. In a sharply worded letter, the Commission has warned the state administration that despite multiple reminders, several crucial directives remain unimplemented.
The ECI has now set 9 February 2026 as the final deadline for time-bound compliance, making it clear that further delay will not be taken lightly, a senior official confirmed.
In its letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, the Commission pointed out that even after repeated communications, action has not been taken on earlier instructions. It noted that no FIRs have yet been registered against two Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), two Assistant EROs (AEROs), and one data entry operator, despite provisions under Section 32 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
The Commission referred to its earlier letters dated 5 August 2025 and 2 January 2026, stating that these warnings had gone unheeded.
Suspension and Posting Irregularities
The ECI also flagged the failure to suspend Sumitra Pratim Pradhan, AERO of Basirhat-2 and Block Development Officer, who is accused of violating statutory provisions by unauthorisedly appointing 11 additional AEROs at her own discretion. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, no disciplinary action has been taken so far.
The Commission reminded the state government that, through a letter dated 25 January 2026, it had directed compliance within 48 hours. This, it said, amounted to a violation of the Supreme Court’s order of 21 September 2000 as well as the Commission’s own instructions issued on 31 May 2023.
Violations Linked to Special Intensive Revision
Further concerns were raised over non-compliance with the Commission’s directions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Despite clear instructions issued on 27 October 2025, the transfers of three voter list observers—Ashwini Kumar Yadav, Randhir Kumar, and Smita Pandey—have still not been cancelled.
In a subsequent letter dated 27 January 2026, the Commission had instructed the state to rectify the issue by 3 pm on 28 January, but the directive remains unfulfilled.
Questions Over Appointments
Beyond disciplinary action, the Election Commission also objected to the manner in which Electoral Registration Officers and election officials have been appointed in the state. According to the Commission, these appointments do not meet the standards laid down by the ECI, potentially undermining the neutrality and integrity of the electoral process.
Alleged Disregard for Court Orders
The Commission made it explicit that the delays amount not only to defiance of its own directions but also to non-compliance with Supreme Court orders. It expressed particular frustration that even the “48-hour ultimatum” issued on 25 January was not treated with urgency by the state administration.
With the deadline now firmly set, the ECI’s message is unequivocal: adherence to election law and institutional directives is non-negotiable, and continued delays could invite serious consequences.