The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday transferred the Joint Block Development Officer (BDO) of Falta in South 24-Parganas district, just hours before the second and final phase of Assembly polling in West Bengal. The move followed protests by the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) over the visit of special police observer Ajay Pal Sharma to the constituency.
An official said Joint BDO Sourav Hazra has been shifted out of Falta and posted to Purulia with immediate effect. He will be replaced by Ramya Bhattacharya, per NDTV report. The transfer was described as routine.
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ADM officials removed from poll duties
In a separate order issued the same night, the poll body also removed two Additional District Magistrates (ADM) from election-related responsibilities. These include Bhaskar Pal, ADM of South 24-Parganas, and Souvik Bhattacharya, ADM of Birbhum. No reasons were cited for the decision.
The transfer of Hazra comes as Falta prepares to vote on April 29, amid heightened political activity and security presence.
Observer's visit triggers protests
The developments follow allegations of non-cooperation by Hazra with Sharma, who visited the residence of Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan and his associates on Monday night. Accompanied by Central forces, Sharma reportedly issued a stern warning over alleged voter intimidation.
On Tuesday, he conducted route marches in sensitive pockets and carried out searches based on inputs about potential troublemakers. The situation escalated as Trinamool supporters gathered near the party office and staged protests against his actions.
Supporters raised slogans including "go back" and "Jai Bangla" during the demonstrations.
Heightened security in sensitive constituency
Falta, part of the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat represented by Abhishek Banerjee, is considered a sensitive constituency. Security deployment has been intensified to ensure smooth polling.
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Sharma, a 2011-batch IPS officer from Uttar Pradesh cadre, has gained attention for his policing style and was seen in a video warning potential troublemakers of "appropriate treatment" if they attempt to disrupt polling.
Equipped with central paramilitary personnel, an armoured vehicle and inputs on suspected troublemakers, the observer conducted extensive checks across the constituency over two days.
