Election Commission Overrules Mamata Government, Orders Reinstatement of Three IAS Officers Amid Voter List Revision Dispute
In a decisive intervention, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has struck down the West Bengal government’s transfer orders of three IAS officers, delivering a major setback to the Mamata Banerjee administration. The officers in question were directly involved in the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the electoral rolls, a critical exercise to ensure updated and accurate voter lists ahead of upcoming elections.
The ECI has directed the reinstatement of the officers to their original postings by 3 PM on Wednesday, issuing a strict 19-hour ultimatum to the state government for compliance.
Violation of Electoral Norms
The West Bengal government had recently reassigned three IAS officers overseeing the SSR process. According to established Election Commission rules, officials engaged in voter list revision cannot be transferred without prior approval from the commission. By bypassing this requirement, the state government’s action was deemed a violation of electoral norms, prompting swift corrective measures from the ECI.
Election Commission’s Directive
Rejecting the transfer orders, the ECI emphasized that the state government had disregarded established procedures by reassigning officers engaged in ongoing SSR work. The commission has instructed the Chief Secretary of West Bengal to ensure immediate reinstatement of the officers and submit a compliance report by 3 PM on January 28, 2026.
Renewed Tensions Between ECI and State Government
This development marks yet another episode of confrontation between the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government and the Election Commission of India. The reinstatement order underscores the commission’s authority in electoral administration, particularly during sensitive processes such as the SSR.
The SSR exercise is vital for maintaining the integrity of electoral rolls, ensuring that voter lists are accurate, transparent, and free from irregularities. Any disruption or unauthorized transfer of officials handling this process, the ECI noted, could compromise the fairness of elections.
The Election Commission’s firm stance highlights its commitment to safeguarding electoral processes and preventing administrative interference. With the ultimatum in place, all eyes are now on the West Bengal government’s response, as compliance will be closely monitored to ensure the sanctity of the voter list revision exercise.
