In an unprecedented disciplinary action, the Election Commission of India (ECI) directly suspended seven state government officials in West Bengal for serious misconduct, dereliction of duty, and misuse of statutory powers.
This relates to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state, ahead of Assembly elections.
The seven Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) were assigned to six Assembly constituencies: Canning Purbo (two officers), Suti, Maynaguri, Farakka, Samserganj, and Debra. They had approved multiple ineligible applications for enrolment on the voter list despite non-submission of required/prescribed documents, inconsistencies in voter eligibility verification, and failure to take corrective action.
The suspensions were ordered with immediate effect in a letter dated Feb 15, 2026, from ECI Secretary Sujeet Kumar Mishra to West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty. The Commission has also directed the West Bengal government to initiate disciplinary proceedings promptly and keep it apprised.
On Feb 17, CM Mamata Banerjee, criticised the ECI action and reassured the officers that they would not lose their jobs. Suspended government employees typically continue to receive subsistence allowance, a portion of salary, often 50-75%, during suspension unless dismissed after inquiry. While the state is not defying the suspension entirely the friction between the ECI and the Mamata government is apparent.
In a related development around 250 judicial officers, with leaves cancelled until March 9, 2026, have been deployed to handle SIR claims/objections to West Bengal following Supreme Court directions.
BJP leader Amit Malvia condemned the state of governance in West Bengal, ‘Serious questions arise about how district administrations are being used. Under Mamata Banerjee, DMs and SDOs stand accused of facilitating the regularisation of illegal infiltrators. While senior officers appear to shield themselves, it is junior officers who are now facing the consequences…
Let this be a reminder: political patronage is never permanent.’
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