Election Commission Reshuffles West Bengal Police Ahead of Polls

Latest Delhi – In a significant move to ensure peaceful elections in West Bengal, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a major reshuffle of senior police officials, including the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Kolkata Police Commissioner. The changes arrive just days after the announcement of a two-phase election schedule for West Bengal, set to be held on April 23 and April 29.

Key Appointments

• Ajay Kumar Nand has been appointed as the new Kolkata Police Commissioner, replacing Supratim Sarkar. Hindustan Times
• Siddh Nath Gupta, a 1992-batch IPS officer, will accept over as the new DGP of West Bengal, succeeding Peeyush Pandey. Hindustan Times
• Natarajan Ramesh Babu has been appointed as the new DG of correctional services. Hindustan Times
• Ajay Mukund Ranade will assume the role of ADG Law and Order. Hindustan Times

Broader Administrative Changes

The ECI’s actions extend beyond the police department. Earlier, the commission removed West Bengal’s Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty and Home Secretary Jagdish Prasad Meena, citing a review of poll preparedness. Times of India

• Dushyant Nariala, a 1993-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary. Times of India
• Sanghamitra Ghosh, a 1997-batch IAS officer, will serve as the Principal Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs. Times of India

ECI’s Commitment to Peaceful Elections

The ECI has emphasized its commitment to conducting violence-free and peaceful elections in West Bengal. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar previously assured that measures would be taken to ensure a fair electoral process. Hindustan Times The transfers of key officials are seen as a step towards achieving this objective.

The commission has directed that all changes be implemented immediately, with a compliance report due by 3:00 PM on March 16. Times of India