Has the ECI Demanded FIRs Against Bengal Electoral Officers by February 17?
Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has compelled the West Bengal government to file FIRs against electoral officers involved in voter fraud by February 17. This directive follows allegations of irregularities during the Special Intensive Revision process, prompting a response amid political tensions.
Key Takeaways
ECI's deadline for FIRs against electoral officers is February 17.
Accusations include involvement in voter fraud .
Political tensions arise from the state's response.
Accountability in electoral processes is crucial for democracy.
Past directives from ECI have been only partially followed.
Kolkata, Feb 14 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a directive to the West Bengal government, mandating the filing of FIRs against electoral officers implicated in the inclusion of fraudulent voters in the electoral rolls during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in the state.
A source from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal informed that a new communication was sent to the state secretariat on Saturday evening, establishing February 17 (Tuesday) as the deadline for the state to file FIRs against these accused electoral officers.
“The ECI observed that, despite multiple reminders to file FIRs against these four implicated electoral officers, the state government has been slow to act. Thus, the Commission has decided to impose a deadline for the registration of FIRs,” the insider from the CEO's office stated.
Among the four officers required to have FIRs filed against them are the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of the Baruipur East Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district, Debottam Dutta Chowdhury, and the Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) of the same constituency, Tathagata Mandal.
The other two officers include the ERO of the Moyna Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district, Biplob Sarkar, and the AERO of the same constituency, Sudipta Das.
It is worth noting that in August of the previous year, the ECI headquarters in New Delhi instructed the West Bengal government to suspend these four electoral officers and file FIRs against them.
However, the state government only partially complied with the directive, suspending the four officers while not registering FIRs against them. Additionally, one contractual data entry operator was also relieved of his duties.
In January this year, the ECI reiterated its instructions to the District Magistrates of South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore districts to file FIRs against these four officers.
The officers are accused of manipulating the electoral rolls, leading the ECI to mandate their suspension and the filing of FIRs against them.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had condemned the ECI's directive, claiming that the poll body was acting as a “bonded labour of the BJP.” She also stated that her government would refrain from taking action against its employees.
Point of View
It is crucial to understand the significance of the ECI's directive in the context of electoral integrity. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining fair electoral practices and the political ramifications involved. The Nation stands committed to upholding democracy and ensuring accountability in the electoral process.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ECI's directive regarding electoral officers in West Bengal?
The ECI has directed the West Bengal government to file FIRs against electoral officers accused of including fake voters in electoral rolls by February 17.
Who are the electoral officers involved?
The involved officers include Debottam Dutta Chowdhury, Tathagata Mandal, Biplob Sarkar, and Sudipta Das.
What actions were taken against these officers previously?
In August last year, the ECI instructed the state to suspend these officers, but FIRs were not filed against them.
What are the implications of this directive?
This directive emphasizes the need for accountability in electoral processes, reflecting the ECI's commitment to ensuring integrity in elections.
How has the state government responded?
The state government has faced criticism for its slow response to the ECI's directives and has expressed reluctance to take action against its employees.
