Election Commission Suspends West Bengal Officials Amid Voter List Revision Controversy

The Election Commission of India has suspended seven officials in West Bengal for misconduct during the special intensive revision of the voters' list. The suspended officials, were working on deputation, are accused of dereliction of duty and misuse of powers. Disciplinary actions have been ordered.

The Election Commission has exercised its authority under electoral law to suspend seven assistant electoral registration officers in West Bengal due to serious misconduct. These officials were found guilty of dereliction of duty during the ongoing special intensive revision of the voters' list.

The suspended officers, state government employees on deputation for the Election Commission, were tasked with updating the voters' list and overseeing the election process. EC authorities have instructed the state Chief Secretary, Nandini Chakravarty, to initiate disciplinary proceedings against these officials without delay.

Tensions between the Election Commission and the Trinamool Congress government have heightened over the voter list revision. The EC invoked section 13CC of the Representation of the People Act 1950 to take these actions, as per the Supreme Court-backed settlement terms that allow the suspension of officers for insubordination or duty dereliction.

(With inputs from agencies.)