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The Election Commission appointed 1993-batch IAS officer Dushyant Nariyala as the state’s new Chief Secretary.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar addresses a press conference. (PTI File)
In a swift move soon after the Model Code of Conduct came into effect, the Election Commission of India has carried out major administrative changes in West Bengal, signalling its intent to keep a tight grip on the state’s election machinery.
Within hours of the code kicking in, the Commission appointed 1993-batch IAS officer Dushyant Nariyala as the state’s new Chief Secretary. He replaces Nandini Chakrabarty, marking one of the first significant bureaucratic reshuffles ahead of the polls.
In another key decision, the Commission removed the state’s Home Secretary Jagadish Prasad Meena. The role will now be taken over by 1997-batch IAS officer Sanghamitra Ghosh. Both officials are expected to assume charge by 3 pm on Monday.
The speed of the Commission’s action has drawn attention in both administrative and political circles. Sources say such immediate intervention following the enforcement of the Model Code is rarely seen in recent election cycles in the state.
And this may just be the beginning. According to sources, the Commission is preparing for a wider reshuffle within the police force in the coming days as part of efforts to ensure neutrality and tighter administrative control during the election period.
The poll body has also asked the state administration to provide detailed information on the policing structure in sensitive areas. It has specifically sought a comprehensive list of all officer-in-charges and their reporting authorities in regions that witnessed severe violence after the results of the 2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election were declared. Sources say once the Commission receives the list, some of these officers may either be transferred or moved to less critical roles.
The focus on these districts suggests the Commission is keen to keep a close watch on law and order and prevent a repeat of the violence that followed the last Assembly polls.
With these rapid interventions, the Election Commission appears determined to send an early message: the conduct of the upcoming elections in Bengal will be closely monitored.
“We expect that, after this announcement, political violence will not be tolerated, no elector will be placed under any kind of pressure, and anti-social elements will refrain from any acts of violence. If they try to indulge in such acts, then strong action will be taken,” Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar told reporters in Kolkata last weekend during a visit to review the state’s poll preparedness.
Polling in West Bengal will take place in two phases on April 23 and 29, the Commission announced on Sunday. Counting of votes for all four states and Puducherry will be held on May 4.
March 16, 2026, 07:35 IST
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