Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today launched a fresh and sharp attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that the ongoing administrative reshuffle in the state reflects “unprecedented interference” and poses a threat to democratic norms.
In a post on her X handle, Mamata claimed that even before the formal election notification, several top officials—including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and Director General of Police—were removed from their posts. She further pointed to large-scale transfers involving senior police and administrative officials such as ADGs, IGs, DIGs, District Magistrates, and Superintendents of Police.
“These are not routine administrative measures but direct political interference,” she alleged.
The criticism comes after the ECI announced the election schedule on Sunday, triggering a series of administrative changes across the state. According to the Chief Minister, the reshuffle extended from the highest levels of bureaucracy to district-level officials, including Police Commissioners and magistrates.
Mamata had earlier written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar opposing the moves. With no reversal in sight, she reiterated her objections through a strongly worded message on social media.
“The systematic politicisation of institutions meant to remain impartial is a direct assault on the Constitution. At a time when a deeply flawed SIR process is underway and over 200 lives have already been lost, the conduct of the Commission reflects a clear bias and an uncomfortable submission to political interests, continuing to put the people of Bengal at risk,” she said.
She also questioned the logic behind certain administrative decisions, alleging inconsistency. “Officials being removed are simultaneously being appointed as election observers. This reflects administrative chaos,” she claimed.
Mamata also raised concerns over the voter list, alleging that the supplementary roll has not yet been published, which she said violates Supreme Court directives.
“Supplementary electoral rolls are still not published, in clear disregard of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s directions, leaving citizens anxious and uncertain. Meanwhile, senior officers from critical agencies like IB, STF, and CID are being selectively removed and dispatched out of the state, pointing to a calculated attempt to cripple Bengal’s administrative machinery,” she further said.
Taking aim at the BJP, Mamata questioned why West Bengal was being “singled out.” She also raised broader concerns about citizens being asked to prove their identity, calling it unnecessary decades after independence.
Describing the situation as deeply concerning, Banerjee termed it an “undeclared state of emergency” and accused the poll body of attempting to exert control over the state through administrative means.
“This is not incidental; it points to a deliberate design to seize control of West Bengal through coercion and institutional manipulation. What we are witnessing is nothing short of an undeclared emergency and an unpromulgated form of president’s rule driven by political vendetta, not democratic principles,” she alleged.
Despite the escalating tensions, she expressed confidence in the people of West Bengal. “The state cannot be subdued through intimidation,” she said, adding that the ultimate verdict would come from the people.
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