ECI Denies Former Kolkata CP Supratim Sarkar's Request to Skip Tamil Nadu Duty as Poll Observer
Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has denied Supratim Sarkar's plea to be excused from his role as a central observer in Tamil Nadu's upcoming elections, compelling him to report for duty. This decision follows significant political scrutiny and opposition demands for his removal during the election period.
Key Takeaways
ECI denies Sarkar's plea: Ensures election integrity.
Sarkar's assignment: He will observe five constituencies in Tamil Nadu.
Political tensions: Opposition demands for his removal highlight political scrutiny.
Election dates: West Bengal polls on April 23 and 29, results on May 4.
Kolkata, April 6 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has declined the request from former Kolkata Police Commissioner and current Additional Director General (ADG) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal, Supratim Sarkar, for exemption from serving as a central observer in the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu.
The Commission has instructed Sarkar to act as the police observer for five Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu: Tirunelveli, Ambasamudram, Palayamkottai, Nanguneri, and Radhapuram, all located in the Tirunelveli district, according to a Commission insider.
Previously, on April 4, the Commission had confirmed its decision to assign Sarkar to Tamil Nadu as a police observer. However, he quickly appealed for relief from this assignment on medical grounds.
Ultimately, with the Commission's rejection of his request, Sarkar is now obligated to report to Tamil Nadu by Monday.
Just days before the announcement of polling dates in West Bengal, Sarkar was appointed as the Kolkata Police Commissioner by the Mamata Banerjee-led government, taking over from his predecessor, Manoj Kumar Verma.
However, his tenure was cut short by the Commission once the Model Code of Conduct was enacted, and he was prohibited from undertaking any election-related duties in West Bengal. Ajay Nana has since been appointed as his replacement, following the ECI's orders.
Despite this, there have been ongoing calls from opposition parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to ensure Sarkar is removed from the state during the polling period.
The BJP argued that if police officers like Sarkar remain in West Bengal during the elections, they may attempt to manipulate the voting process in favor of the ruling Trinamool Congress party.
The two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal are scheduled for April 23 and April 29. Voting will take place in 152 Assembly constituencies during the first phase, while the remaining 142 seats will be contested in the second phase. Results will be announced on May 4.
Point of View
The ECI's decision to deny Supratim Sarkar's request reinforces the integrity of the electoral process, ensuring that no individual influences the voting dynamics. This action highlights the importance of maintaining impartiality in state elections. As the political landscape becomes increasingly contentious, it will be important to monitor how these developments unfold in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the ECI reject Supratim Sarkar's plea?
The ECI rejected Sarkar's plea for relief from his assignment in Tamil Nadu, citing the importance of maintaining election integrity amidst political scrutiny.
What are the constituencies Sarkar will observe?
Sarkar has been assigned to observe five Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu: Tirunelveli, Ambasamudram, Palayamkottai, Nanguneri, and Radhapuram.
What political context surrounds this decision?
The decision comes in light of demands from opposition parties, particularly the BJP, who argued that Sarkar's presence could influence the polling process in favor of the ruling party.
When are the elections in West Bengal?
The two-phase Assembly polls in West Bengal are scheduled for April 23 and April 29, with results to be declared on May 4.
Who replaced Supratim Sarkar as Kolkata Police Commissioner?
Ajay Nana was appointed as the new Kolkata Police Commissioner after Sarkar was removed by the ECI.
