Mamata Banerjee Slams Election Commission Over Officer Transfers Ahead of Bengal Polls
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday, accusing it of playing a "nice game" on behalf of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She questioned the timing of transfers involving senior administrative and police officers just before the Eid festival and the upcoming Assembly elections.
Allegations of Political Interference
Addressing reporters while announcing the TMC candidate list for the 2026 Assembly election, Banerjee alleged that the transfers were orchestrated at the behest of the BJP. "Why are senior officers being transferred just before Eid? Are there plans to trigger riots before elections?" she demanded, expressing concerns over potential unrest in the state.
She further claimed that the list of transferred officers was prepared at the BJP's office, with the EC merely implementing the decision. "They have brought in some people from outside the state to help BJP," Banerjee added, suggesting that outsiders were being deployed to assist the saffron party in the electoral process.
Warnings and Accusations
Banerjee warned that both the Election Commission and the BJP would be held responsible if any untoward incidents occur during the election period. "If something untoward happens, BJP and EC will be responsible. If something goes wrong, then they should be answerable," she stated emphatically.
She also alleged that the transfers were aimed at facilitating the smooth movement of money and arms for the BJP. "The officers have been replaced so that money and arms are smoothly transferred to BJP without any hindrance," she claimed, accusing the poll body of acting under political pressure.
Recent Transfers and Election Details
Following the announcement of poll dates on Sunday, the Election Commission transferred key officials, including:
- Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty
- Home Secretary Jagdish Prasad Meena
- DGP Peeyush Pandey
- Kolkata CP Supratim Sarkar
The elections for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly are scheduled in two phases on April 23 and 29, with vote counting set for May 4. Banerjee also criticized the BJP for its political campaign in the state and accused the party of using central agencies against her government.
This controversy highlights the escalating tensions in West Bengal's political landscape as the state gears up for a high-stakes electoral battle.
