The tussle between the Election Commission and the West Bengal government escalated on Tuesday as the poll body directed the state to cancel the transfer of three IAS officers deputed as electoral roll observers as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, saying the move was made without its concurrence.
The officers are Ashwini Kumar Yadav, Electoral Roll Observer for Uttar Dinajpur and Dakshin Dinajpur; Randhir Kumar, Observer for North 24 Parganas and Kolkata North; and Smita Pandey, responsible for Paschim Bardhaman, Purba Bardhaman and Birbhum.
In a strongly worded letter to the Chief Secretary, the Election Commission said the state government violated its explicit instructions by transferring officials associated with the SIR without prior approval. The poll body recalled that the officers were placed on “deemed deputation” to it for the entire duration of the revision process to ensure continuity and independence.
Despite clear directions issued on October 27, 2025, and reiterated in November 2025, the West Bengal government issued transfer and posting orders on December 1, 2025, January 20, 2026 and January 21, 2026. Terming the action a serious violation, the Commission directed the state to withdraw the orders forthwith and submit a compliance report by 3 pm on January 28, 2026.
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