Who Is Rajeev Kumar? Ex-IPS Officer and Rajya Sabha MP Appointed TMC Observer for Dumdum–Barrackpore Counting
In a strategic move ahead of the crucial vote counting for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has appointed retired IPS officer and newly elected Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Kumar as the party’s counting observer for the Dumdum–Barrackpore organisational district.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and party leader Abhishek Banerjee with counting agents on Saturday. Party sources confirmed that the leadership has deployed observers across all organisational districts to ensure close monitoring and coordination during the counting process.
TMC’s Strategy: Observers Across Districts
As part of this plan
Rajeev Kumar has been assigned Dumdum–Barrackpore.
Actor-turned-politician Deepak Adhikari (Dev) will oversee Ghatal.
MLA June Malia has been given charge of Medinipur.
This district-level observer model mirrors TMC’s strategy during earlier elections, including the Lok Sabha polls, where observers played a key role in maintaining oversight and ensuring smooth coordination.
Meeting Focused on Counting Day Preparedness
The meeting emphasised preparedness for counting day. Party leaders urged agents to remain vigilant and not be swayed by exit poll predictions, which they cautioned could be aimed at influencing public sentiment. Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee reminded workers of similar situations during the 2021 Assembly elections and 2024 Lok Sabha polls, where exit polls did not reflect the final outcome.
Who Is Rajeev Kumar?
Rajeev Kumar is a retired IPS officer of the 1989 batch (West Bengal cadre), widely recognised for his long and eventful career in policing and administration.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 31, 1966, in Chandausi, Uttar Pradesh.
Son of Prof. Anand Kumar and grandson of former MP Ramsaran.
Holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from IIT Roorkee (formerly University of Roorkee).
Distinguished IPS Career
Served as Director General of Police (DGP), West Bengal until January 31, 2026.
Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar.
Head of the Special Task Force (STF).
Additional Chief Secretary, IT Department, West Bengal.
Noted for his technical expertise in modern policing, including the development of the cyber security wing of Kolkata Police.
Transition to Politics:
After retiring as DGP, Kumar joined the Trinamool Congress and was nominated to the Rajya Sabha on February 27, 2026. He took oath as a Member of Parliament in April 2026. His appointment as a counting observer marks his active involvement in the party’s electoral strategy.
Controversies and High-Profile Cases
Kumar’s career has also seen controversies:
Saradha chit fund case (2019): Faced allegations by the CBI regarding handling of electronic evidence.
Election Commission actions: Removed from duty during the 2016 and 2024 elections over perceived proximity to the state leadership.
Despite these challenges, Kumar remained a prominent figure in West Bengal’s administrative and political landscape.
Counting Day Stakes
The 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections were held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. With high voter turnout and intense competition between the TMC and the BJP, the appointment of observers like Rajeev Kumar underscores the ruling party’s determination to maintain strict oversight and ensure coordination at every level during the counting process.
This move highlights TMC’s emphasis on vigilance, organisation, and discipline as it braces for one of the most closely watched electoral outcomes in recent years.
