In a significant move ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed a sweeping overhaul of security arrangements across the state, ordering the immediate withdrawal of security cover provided to individuals facing criminal cases or currently out on bail or parole.
Urgent instructions have been issued to all district administrations and police authorities late on Thursday night, mandating strict compliance within a tight deadline. According to sources, the directive clearly states that individuals with pending criminal charges or a criminal history are no longer eligible for any form of special security protection.
The instruction calls for a comprehensive review of all ‘VIP’ individuals, mostly political figures, currently receiving security cover across districts. Authorities have been asked to prepare detailed lists categorised by Assembly constituencies and police districts to ensure transparency and accountability in implementation.
The Commission has emphasised that security cover must also be withdrawn from individuals who do not qualify based on their official status or genuine threat perception. Officials have been instructed to execute the directive with urgency, with a strict deadline set for completion by midnight on Friday.
As part of the process, all District Election Officers (DEOs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) have been directed to submit updated status reports to the Commission.
Political observers believe that the move is aimed at reinforcing administrative neutrality and preventing the misuse of state resources ahead of the elections. The directive sends a strong signal that security privileges cannot be extended on the basis of political influence or personal connections.
For many individuals who have allegedly been availing such protection through influence, the decision is expected to come as a setback. At the same time, the directive places considerable pressure on administrative machinery, given the short timeframe for execution.
Sources indicate that the recent Malda’s Kaliachak incident played a key role in prompting the Commission’s decision. The step is being viewed as part of broader efforts to maintain law and order and ensure a level playing field during the electoral process.
Reiterating its stance, the Election Commission has made it clear that security cover will be granted strictly on the basis of credible threat perception, and not due to political or personal considerations.
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