The Election Commission of India has raised concerns over the absence of a Narcotics Advisory Committee in West Bengal during a meeting with senior state officials.
The issue was flagged by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during a review meeting on election preparedness and law and order. According to sources, the Commission warned that no negligence would be tolerated in maintaining law and order or ensuring a fair electoral process ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
During the meeting, Kumar asked why West Bengal was the only state in the country without a Narcotics Advisory Committee. The question was directed at the state administration and police leadership.
State police questioned over narcotics monitoring
State Police Director General (Law and Order) Vineet Goyal attempted to respond to the issue. According to sources from the Chief Electoral Officer's office, he said steps would be taken to address the matter.
However, officials present at the meeting said the Chief Election Commissioner expressed dissatisfaction over the explanation. Sources indicated that Goyal was reprimanded when he tried to explain why such a committee had not yet been formed in the state.
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The Commission also directed the Excise Department to increase monitoring to prevent any rise in the production of narcotic substances before the elections. Officials were instructed to ensure that liquor production does not increase in border areas during the election period.
Multiple agencies receive strict instructions
According to Election Commission sources, several other agencies were also cautioned during the meeting. These included the Airport Authority of India, the Excise Department, narcotics enforcement authorities, and the Reserve Bank of India.
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The Commission instructed the RBI to maintain strict vigilance across districts to ensure that no illegal cash transactions or movement of black money takes place during the elections.
Officials said the directions were issued as part of broader measures to strengthen monitoring and prevent any misuse of money, liquor or narcotics that could influence the electoral process.
The meeting was part of the Election Commission's ongoing review of administrative preparedness and enforcement mechanisms in the state ahead of the polls.
