The Election Commission of India has directed the posting of five IPS officers as Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) in West Bengal ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, as part of a broader administrative reshuffle to ensure smooth conduct of polls.
According to official orders, the officers appointed as DIGs are Rathod Amitkumar Bharat (Raiganj Range), Ajeet Singh Yadav (Murshidabad Range), Shrihari Pandey (Bardhaman Range), Kankar Prosad Barui (Presidency Range), and Anjali Singh (Jalpaiguri Range). They have been instructed to assume charge immediately and submit compliance within a stipulated deadline.
The move follows a review of election preparedness by the Commission. Notably, these officers have been barred from engaging in election-related duties until the completion of the polling process.
The directive is part of a wider set of measures undertaken in poll-bound West Bengal. In recent days, the EC has transferred several senior police and administrative officials across the state, including multiple IPS officers and district police chiefs, along with the appointment of new District Magistrates, who also serve as District Election Officers.
Earlier, soon after announcing the poll schedule, the Commission ordered the removal of key officials, including the Director General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata. Senior bureaucrats such as the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary were also replaced.
These steps are in line with the Commission’s standard protocol to ensure neutrality of the administrative machinery during elections, maintain law and order, and facilitate free and fair voting.
The developments have triggered political reactions, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticising the large-scale reshuffle and alleging bias in the Commission’s actions. However, the EC has maintained that all decisions are taken in accordance with established election guidelines.
The 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting expected in early May.
