The Election Commission of India has stepped up its oversight in West Bengal in view of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll and the upcoming 2026 assembly elections. Retired IPS officer NK Mishra was appointed as the state’s special observer on Friday.
According to the letter issued to Mishra, he will not be authorised to give instructions or issue any certificates to election workers. All complaints, grievances and observations are to be sent directly to the Commission’s headquarters.
While special observers have been appointed earlier, those roles were limited to supervising the SIR process. This is the first time that such an observer has also been tasked with monitoring broader election-related matters, a move that has heightened political activity ahead of the polls.
The Commission’s order states that the appointment has been made under Article 324 of the Constitution to oversee the ongoing electoral roll revision and the 2026 assembly elections. Under Section 13CC of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the special observer will function entirely under the control, supervision and discipline of the Commission.
The observer has been directed to ensure that the SIR process is carried out strictly in accordance with the Commission’s instructions. He will also visit the state periodically to review the progress of the electoral roll revision, preparations for the elections, and the overall law-and-order environment. Any observations or recommendations are to be submitted directly to the Commission for further action.
The order further states that the Chief Electoral Officer of the state will provide all necessary assistance, documents and protocol arrangements during Mishra’s visits. His salary or honorarium will be in accordance with the Commission’s circular dated September 17, 2024.
Strict instructions have also been issued regarding commendations for election officials. The special observer has been barred from issuing any testimonials or certificates to election workers, Electoral Registration Officers or other officials during or after the assignment. If any official is to be recommended for commendation, a proposal with detailed reasons must be sent to the Commission for consideration.
Earlier, to ensure transparency in the SIR process, the Delhi Election Commission had appointed former IAS officer Subrata Gupta as a special observer, and later deployed multiple roll observers in phases.
Also read: WB SIR exposes birth certificate anomaly
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