Election Commission Flags West Bengal’s Non-Compliance
Poll panel warns of legal violations, cites failure to act against officials and implement Supreme Court backed instructions.
New Delhi, Feb 05 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sharply criticised the West Bengal government for allegedly failing to implement key election related directives, warning that continued inaction could undermine the credibility of the electoral process. In a strongly worded communication to the Chief Secretary, the poll body fixed February 9, 2026, as the final date for ensuring compliance.
According to a senior official, the Commission observed that multiple instructions issued earlier remain unaddressed despite repeated follow ups. It noted that no First Information Reports have been registered against two Electoral Registration Officers, two Assistant Electoral Registration Officers, and a data entry operator, as mandated under provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Referring to earlier correspondence sent in August 2025 and January 2026, the Commission also flagged the absence of disciplinary action against the Assistant Electoral Registration Officer of Bashirhat-II and Block Development Officer Sumitra Pratim Pradhan. Both officials face allegations linked to the unauthorised appointment of 11 additional AEROs, reportedly in breach of statutory rules.
The poll authority had previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum on January 25, stressing that non-compliance amounted to defiance of the Supreme Court’s September 21, 2000, order as well as its own directions released on May 31, 2023. However, the state administration allegedly failed to respond within the stipulated timeframe.
Further concerns were raised over unresolved violations tied to the Special Intensive Review guidelines circulated in October 2025. The Commission pointed out that transfer orders involving three electoral roll supervisors Ashwini Kumar Yadav, Randhir Kumar, and Smita Pandey have yet to be cancelled.
Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, the ECI said the current appointments of certain election officials do not conform to prescribed standards, cautioning that such deviations could affect the transparency and fairness of electoral management.
The Commission underscored that the delays represent not only a departure from its regulatory framework but also disregard for judicial directives, signalling growing impatience within the constitutional body over the state’s response.
