After the West Bengal government sought changes in the list of central observers and suggested alternative names, the poll panel rejected the appeal and asked 25 senior officers to report for special election training. The move has brought senior IAS and IPS officers, including the home secretary, back into focus.
Appeal rejected, officers directed
According to sources from the state’s Chief Electoral Officer, the officers have been instructed to attend briefing meetings as per the designated schedule. The meeting for central observers will be held in Delhi on February 5 and 6. The Commission has clearly stated that the appeal seeking exemption from election duties has been rejected.
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Dispute after SIR
The friction between the state government and the Election Commission began soon after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process started. In connection with the Assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, the Commission selected 25 senior officers from West Bengal as central observers.
The state government had argued that sending top administrative officials outside the state ahead of the elections could create problems in maintaining law and order and handling administrative work. On this basis, the state sought exemption for 17 of the 25 officers. The Election Commission rejected the appeal on Wednesday.
