In a firm move to safeguard the sanctity of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission (EC) on Monday ordered the transfer of several key officials across various states.
This directive underscores the Commission's unwavering commitment to conducting free and fair polls.
Sources privy to the development informed that the EC has directed the removal of Home Secretaries in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Additionally, the West Bengal Director General of Police, Rajiv Kumar has also been transferred.
The Commission's lens further scrutinised Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh, where the Secretaries of the General Administrative Departments were asked to be relieved of their current postings.
This decisive action comes close on the heels of the EC announcing the much-anticipated Lok Sabha election schedule.
Notably, the Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, had earlier instructed state governments to transfer election-related officials who have either completed a three-year tenure or are stationed in their home districts.
However, the Maharashtra government's failure to comply with these directives in the case of certain Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials – including Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, additional commissioners, and deputy commissioners – necessitated further intervention by the EC.
Expressing strong disapproval of this lapse, the Commission directed the Maharashtra Chief Secretary to ensure the immediate transfer of the aforementioned BMC officials.
A strict deadline of 6 pm on Monday was set for them to report to their new postings.
Furthermore, the Chief Secretary was directed to initiate similar transfers for all other municipal commissioners, additional and deputy commissioners across corporations in Maharashtra who fall under the ambit of the EC's guidelines.
This decisive action by the Election Commission exemplifies its unwavering commitment to fostering a level playing field and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has consistently emphasised the importance of these principles in conducting free and fair elections.
The Commission's meeting on Monday, which included CEC Kumar and Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, paved the way for these crucial decisions.
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