August 13, 2025

Kolkata is buzzing after the West Bengal government told the Election Commission of India (ECI) that it has withdrawn a state government officer and a data entry operator from all election-related duties. This move comes soon after ECI ordered the suspension of four officers connected to the controversial updation of electoral rolls. The officers and the data operator faced serious accusations of adding fake voter names to the electoral roll and putting data security at risk. But the Bengal chief secretary, Manoj Pant, warned the ECI in a letter that suspending these hardworking officers without a proper inquiry would be “a disproportionately harsh measure.” He added, “Such an action could have a demoralising impact not only on the individuals but also on the broader team of officers engaged in electoral responsibilities and other administrative functions.” Back on August 5, the ECI demanded the suspension of two Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and two Assistant EROs (AEROs), all West Bengal Civil Service (executive) officers, plus lodging FIRs against them and a casual data entry operator. This was after sample checks found many fake voter forms filed, with alleged lapses like missing verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and unauthorized access to ERO Net, the system that manages electoral data. Yet, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has openly opposed punishing these officers. At a lively rally in Jhargram, she declared, “Government officers were being threatened. Yesterday two of my government officers were suspended. The state was directed to lodge FIR against them. Has the election been announced? Under which law are you (ECI) directing us? I won’t do this. I won’t punish them.” Her fiery words reflect the government’s stand against what it calls heavy-handed treatment. Following more pressure, by Monday, the West Bengal government informed ECI that the AERO from Moyna Assembly Constituency and the data entry operator from Baruipur Purba have been removed from all election-related tasks. The government also started an inquiry and promised a full report after it finishes. Meanwhile, the West Bengal Civil Service (Executive) Officers’ Association cried foul, saying the officers did not act with any bad intent. They called suspension too harsh and urged the state to push for a review with the Election Commission. The chief secretary explained in his letter that district officers have many duties and sometimes delegate work to junior staff in good faith. He also mentioned the government is reviewing all processes around electoral roll updates to prevent such issues in the future. This political-electoral drama keeps West Bengal in the spotlight, questioning how election duties and disciplinary actions should be handled. What will the Election Commission say next? The suspense continues!

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Tags: West bengal, Election commission, Mamata banerjee, Electoral roll, Suspension, Fictitious voters,