ECI Revokes Rehabilitation Plans for IPS Officers in Bengal Ahead of Assembly Polls
Synopsis
In a crucial move, the ECI has withdrawn the rehabilitation of several IPS officers in West Bengal, shifting them out of the state as the Assembly elections approach, amidst calls for a fair electoral process.
Key Takeaways
ECI's decisive action to revoke IPS officers' rehabilitation.
15 officers shifted out of West Bengal for fair electoral conduct.
Upcoming two-phase Assembly elections on April 23 and April 29.
Continued pressure from opposition parties for impartiality.
Concerns raised by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee .
Kolkata, March 19 (NationPress) In a significant move late Wednesday night, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has annulled the rehabilitation of numerous Indian Police Service (IPS) officers in West Bengal. These officers had received alternative assignments from the state government after being dismissed from their previous roles by the Commission and were prohibited from participating in election-related activities as the state gears up for important two-phase Assembly elections next month.
On the same night, the ECI released a new notification rescinding the alternate postings of 15 IPS officers and opted to relocate them outside the state by assigning them as police observers in other states that are also preparing for elections.
The roster of IPS officers whose postings have been revoked and who are being transferred includes names such as Akash Magharia, Alok Rajoria, Amandeep, Abhijit Banerjee, Bhaskar Mukherjee, C. Sudhakar, Dhritimaan Sarkar, Indira Mukherjee, Murli Dhar, Mukesh, Praveen Kumar Tripathi, Priyabrata Roy, Sandeep Karra, Rashid Munir Khan, and Syed Waqar Raja.
Notably, Murli Dhar served as the Police Commissioner for Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, while Syed Waqar Raja was the Police Commissioner for Siliguri Metropolitan Police.
This decision comes in response to persistent requests from opposition parties in West Bengal, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), advocating for the removal of bureaucrats and police officials barred from election responsibilities until the conclusion of the polling process, to mitigate any potential influence on the electoral proceedings within the state.
West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has publicly criticized the removal of these officials without prior consultation with the state government, and she has reached out to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar to express her concerns regarding this decision.
The two-phase elections in West Bengal are scheduled for April 23 and April 29, with the first phase covering 152 Assembly constituencies and the second phase covering 142 constituencies.
Point of View
Underscoring the importance of maintaining impartiality during the electoral process. The relocation of these IPS officers aims to uphold the integrity of the upcoming elections.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the ECI cancel the rehabilitation of IPS officers?
The ECI canceled the rehabilitation of IPS officers to prevent any potential influence on the electoral process in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls.
What are the dates for the West Bengal Assembly elections?
The West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled for April 23 and April 29.
How many IPS officers were affected by this decision?
A total of 15 IPS officers had their alternative postings revoked and will be relocated outside the state.
What concerns did Mamata Banerjee raise regarding this decision?
Mamata Banerjee criticized the ECI's decision to remove bureaucrats and police officials without consulting the state government.
What is the significance of this decision in the context of the elections?
The decision is significant as it aims to ensure a fair and unbiased election process in West Bengal, free from any undue influence by previously assigned officials.
