Changes in Police Observers by ECI Ahead of Bengal Elections
Synopsis
In an unexpected decision, the Election Commission of India has replaced five police observers ahead of the crucial Assembly elections in West Bengal next month, stirring political tensions.
Key Takeaways
The ECI has replaced five police observers ahead of the elections.
Jayant Kant was removed due to alleged conflicts of interest.
A total of 84 police observers have been appointed for the state.
The elections will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29.
Political tensions are rising between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP.
Kolkata, March 28 (NationPress) - The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made a significant move by replacing five police observers from various states ahead of the upcoming two-phase Assembly elections scheduled for next month in West Bengal.
Among those removed is Jayant Kant, an officer from the Bihar cadre of the Indian Police Service (IPS), who was assigned to oversee four Assembly constituencies in the minority-heavy Malda district.
This decision came in response to a written complaint from the Trinamool Congress, which claimed that Kant is married to a leader of the Bihar-based Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “After considering the submission from the Trinamool Congress, the ECI opted to replace him,” revealed a source from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal.
The new observer for these constituencies is Hriday Kant, also from the Bihar cadre. Additionally, other observers overseeing constituencies in Murshidabad, West Burdwan, and West Midnapore districts have also been replaced.
In preparation for the elections, the commission appoints three different types of observers according to the specific needs of each Assembly constituency.
This year, the ECI has designated one general observer for each of the 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal. Besides these general observers, police observers and expenditure observers are also appointed.
West Bengal has the highest number of police observers among the five states and Union Territories going to the polls, with a total of 84 appointed for the Assembly elections. Voting is set to occur in two phases on April 23 and April 29 across all 294 constituencies in the state.
The first phase will cover 152 constituencies, while the remaining 142 will vote in the second phase. Results are expected to be announced on May 4.
A major political conflict has arisen in West Bengal due to the ECI’s decision to implement extensive transfers, replacements, and deployments of bureaucrats and police personnel from the state to other regions prior to the elections.
The ruling party, Trinamool Congress, has accused the Commission of acting at the behest of the BJP. Conversely, the BJP argues that such actions are essential for ensuring a free, fair, and violence-free election process in the state.
Point of View
The ECI maintains that these changes are crucial for ensuring a transparent electoral process. This situation underscores the ongoing tension between political parties in the state.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the police observers replaced?
The Election Commission replaced the observers based on a complaint from the Trinamool Congress alleging a conflict of interest involving one of the observers.
How many phases will the Assembly elections in West Bengal have?
The Assembly elections in West Bengal will occur in two phases on April 23 and April 29.
What is the total number of police observers appointed in West Bengal?
A total of 84 police observers have been appointed for the Assembly elections in West Bengal.
When will the results of the elections be declared?
The results of the elections will be announced on May 4.
What are the main political parties involved in this election?
The main political parties involved are the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
