EC removes IAS, 4 IPS officers two days ahead of Bengal polls

Mamata Banerjee hits out at BJP for interfering with commission’s functioning

Alleging the EC is taking a step motherly attitude to her government, the firebrand TMC supremo dared the commission to showcause her.: File picture

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TT Bureau, Agencies   |   Calcutta   |   25.03.21: An IAS and four IPS officers in Bengal were removed on Thursday by the Election Commission, two days ahead of the first phase of polling, on a day when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lashed out at the poll committee a ‘BJP Commission’.

Additional Director-General (West Zone) Sanjay Singh was replaced by Rajesh Kumar, as per an official order.

District Magistrate and District Election Officer of Jhargram Ayesha Rani was replaced by Joyeshi Dasgupta, it said.

Jhargram will be voting in the first phase on March 27.

The EC has decided to deploy 127 companies of central forces for booth management in this district, officials said.

Arijit Sinha was named the new Superintendent of Police of Diamond Harbour, replacing Avijit Banerji, the order said.

Debashish Dhar was named the new SP of Coochbehar, replacing K Kannan.

Weeks ago, the poll commission ordered removal of Virendra as the Director General of Police of poll-bound Bengal with immediate effect, and appointed P Nirajnayan in his place.

Meanwhile, at a poll rally in the South 24 Parganas, Mamata Banerjee hit out at the EC, claiming that the BJP was interfering with its functioning.

The chief minister expressed strong reservations over the large-scale transfer of senior government officials by the EC in the last few days.

"The way BJP is interfering in the functioning of EC, it appears to be a BJP commission," Mamata said at a public meeting at Danton. She said she learnt of the transfers while riding a helicopter from Sagar island to Danton.

"I am telling you (EC) transfer all (officials). That will not prevent our victory because people are with us, " she said.

The chief minister said, "While I have great respect for the EC, I would like to ask the poll panel why police forces are under the control of the Centre during Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. Why not under EC?"

Alleging the EC is taking a step motherly attitude to her government, the firebrand TMC supremo dared the commission to showcause her.

"You can send 10 letters to me. I am not bothered."

Asking why every instruction of BJP has to be obeyed, Mamata wanted to know why the EC immediately complies when BJP seeks an officials' removal.

She said, "EC is not doing the right thing. We are a regional party. There are many other regional parties. If you think the regional parties like us will be finished in this fashion, you are mistaken," she said.

"BJP has lost the match and hence has resorted to the game of changing officers. Officers don't vote, people vote," she reasoned.