In a major decision, the Election Commission of India on Sunday ordered the removal of West Bengal’s Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and several senior police officers. The order came within hours of the announcement of the Assembly election schedule.
The action followed the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct after the poll announcement.
Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty (IAS:1994:WB) has been replaced by Dushyant Nariala (IAS:1993:WB). Sanghamitra Ghosh (IAS:1997:WB) has been appointed the new Home Secretary. She replaces Jagdish Prasad Meena (IAS:2004:WB). With this appointment, Ghosh becomes the first woman Home Secretary of West Bengal.
The Election Commission sent its order to Chakraborty late on Sunday night. It also said that Chakraborty and Meena should not be given any work related to the election process until the polls are over.
Changes have also been ordered in the police leadership. Director General of Police Peeyush Pandey (IPS:1993:WB) and Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar (IPS:1997:WB) have been replaced.
The state government has been asked to appoint Siddh Nath Gupta (IPS:1992:WB) as Director General and Inspector General of Police in-charge. Natarajan Ramesh Babu (IPS:1991:WB) will serve as Director General of Correctional Services.
Ajay Mukund Ranade (IPS:1995:WB) has been posted as Additional Director General and Inspector General of Police (Law and Order). Ajay Kumar Nand (IPS:1996:WB) has been appointed Commissioner of Kolkata Police.
The Election Commission has asked the state government to implement these changes immediately and send a compliance report by 3 pm on Monday.
Earlier in the day, the Commission announced that the West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in two phases. The polling dates are April 23 and April 29.
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