The Election Commission of India (ECI) has reiterated its directive to file First Information Reports (FIRs) against four state officials for alleged irregularities in the electoral rolls, including the illegal inclusion of names.
The move comes despite appeals from Nabanna, the West Bengal state secretariat, seeking leniency for what it termed was a “minor offence.”
At the beginning of the year, the ECI had instructed the District Election Officers (DEO) to initiate criminal proceedings against two Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), one Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO), and a data entry operator.
However, the state government did not act on the directive, and instead, approached the Commission, arguing that harsh punishment would be disproportionate.
According to sources, the state Home Department wrote to the Election Commission on Saturday, referring to incidents in Baruipur East and Purba Medinipur districts, and stated that the opinion of the State Advocate General had been sought, who reportedly held that the steps already taken by the state government were sufficient. The letter further argued that filing FIRs would amount to “severe punishment for a minor offence” and requested the Commission to withdraw its order.
The Election Commission, however, rejected the appeal. On Saturday, rather than reconsidering its decision, it sent a reminder to the concerned District Magistrates (DMs), instructing them to ensure that FIRs are filed without further delay.
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The issue dates back to August 5 last year, when the Election Commission recommended the suspension of the four officials over alleged voter list irregularities and called for criminal cases against them. The following day, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly criticised the Commission at a meeting in Jhargram, accusing it of intimidating officers well ahead of the elections and questioning its motives. She also assured officials of the state government’s protection.
Subsequently, a prolonged standoff developed between the Commission and the state government. While the ECI repeatedly pressed for suspensions and criminal action, Nabanna refrained from complying fully. Instead of suspending the officers, the state government removed one Assistant EROs and one data entry operator from election-related duties and initiated departmental proceedings.
Although Nabanna earlier informed the Commission that four officials had been temporarily suspended pending a departmental inquiry, it also sought additional time before filing FIRs. Months passed without any criminal cases being registered.
With no action forthcoming, the Election Commission has now bypassed the state secretariat and directly instructed the DEOs to file FIRs, signalling a firm stance on enforcing accountability in matters related to electoral integrity.
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