Did ECI Appoint 15 IAS and 10 IPS Officers from West Bengal as SROs for SIR in Other States?
Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has appointed 15 IAS and 10 IPS officers from West Bengal as special roll observers for a special intensive revision across various states. This decision has sparked controversy between the ECI and the ruling Trinamool Congress, raising questions about the authority of such appointments.
Key Takeaways
The ECI appointed 15 IAS and 10 IPS officers as SROs for SIR in other states.
A training session is scheduled for February 5-6.
The decision has led to political tension between the ECI and Trinamool Congress.
Previous requests from the ECI to the state government were ignored.
This development highlights the importance of transparent communication in electoral processes.
Kolkata, Jan 28 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Wednesday that it has appointed 15 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and 10 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers from West Bengal as special roll observers (SROs) to assist with the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) activities in various other states.
A notification from the electoral body was sent to the West Bengal Secretariat 'Nabanna' on Wednesday, instructing these 15 IAS and 10 IPS officers to participate in a two-day training session for SROs scheduled for February 5-6.
Upon completion of the training, decisions will be made regarding the states to which these officers will be assigned as SROs.
However, a new conflict has emerged between the ECI and the ruling Trinamool Congress concerning the selection of these 15 IAS and 10 IPS officers as SROs for the SIRs in other states.
Initially, the Commission felt compelled to make a unilateral decision in appointing these officers, as previous communications sent to the state government requesting nominations of bureaucrats and police officials for SRO roles were reportedly disregarded.
Sources from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office indicated that the ECI had to make this unilateral decision after three consecutive notifications went unanswered by the state administration.
Moreover, the list of selected IAS officers includes the state Home Secretary Jagdish Prasad Meena, raising questions from the Trinamool regarding the Commission's authority to appoint a state Home Secretary as an SRO for another state.
Jaiprakash Majumdar, the state Vice-President of the Trinamool Congress, alleged that this unilateral action by the Commission is part of a broader conspiracy orchestrated at the behest of the BJP.
He remarked, "The BJP is pulling the strings from behind the scenes. With elections set to occur in five states this year, there’s a possibility that areas without elections may be assigned SROs from those regions. The BJP is evidently scheming all of this."
In contrast, Jagannath Chattopadhyay, Vice-President of the BJP in West Bengal, refuted any involvement from his party in this development, stating, "This is a standard procedure consistently followed by the ECI when appointing SROs."
Point of View
The appointment of IAS and IPS officers as special roll observers by the ECI reflects the Commission's ongoing efforts to ensure fair elections. However, the ensuing political tension illustrates the complexities involved in electoral governance, showcasing the need for transparent communication between state governments and electoral bodies.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of SROs?
Special roll observers (SROs) are appointed to oversee the electoral process in various states, ensuring compliance with electoral laws and procedures.
Why did the ECI appoint these officers unilaterally?
The ECI made a unilateral decision due to the state government's failure to respond to previous requests for nominations of bureaucrats and police officers.
What controversy has arisen regarding these appointments?
The ruling Trinamool Congress has raised concerns about the ECI's authority to appoint a state Home Secretary as an SRO for another state.
Who are the political figures involved in this situation?
Key figures include Trinamool Congress Vice-President Jaiprakash Majumdar and BJP Vice-President Jagannath Chattopadhyay.
How does this decision impact upcoming elections?
The appointment of SROs is crucial for maintaining electoral integrity, especially with several elections scheduled in the near future.
