New Delhi/Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has summoned West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, 1991 batch IAS officer, to appear in person at its headquarters in Delhi by 5 PM on August 13, following the state government’s refusal to comply with the ECI’s directive to suspend officials allegedly involved in a voter list fraud case.
The rare escalation highlights growing tensions between the poll panel and the state administration over alleged manipulation of electoral rolls in two assembly constituencies – Baruipur Purba and Moyna.
ECI Deems State’s Response “Non-Compliant”
The ECI had on August 5 directed the West Bengal government to suspend four officials and lodge FIRs in connection with the illegal registration of 127 voters through falsified documents. The accused include:
- Two West Bengal Civil Service (WBCS) officers
- Two Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs)
- One data entry operator
The Commission asserts these individuals played direct roles in the alleged fraud.
However, the state government, in its reply, flatly declined to take action, calling the poll panel’s order “disproportionately harsh” and warning it could “demoralise the administrative machinery.” The letter from Chief Secretary Pant stopped short of addressing the specific allegations against the officials.
ECI Pushes Back: Accountability is Non-Negotiable
In response, the ECI said the lack of compliance undermines the sanctity of the electoral process. “Ensuring integrity of the electoral roll is non-negotiable,” a senior official noted, adding that state inaction may be viewed as wilful defiance.
The Commission has summoned Pant under powers vested in it by Article 324 of the Constitution, which allows it to supervise and control elections and related administrative functions.
Allegations Point to Systemic Electoral Manipulation
The alleged irregularities involve illegal voter additions based on forged or unverified documents, potentially influencing outcomes in the two constituencies. The issue came to light after local complaints triggered a preliminary inquiry.
Sources say the ECI views the case as part of a broader concern over the integrity of electoral rolls in politically sensitive states like West Bengal.
Political Fallout and High Stakes
The incident adds to long-standing friction between the ECI and the West Bengal government. It also comes ahead of critical by-elections in several states, with West Bengal often in the spotlight due to previous complaints of voter fraud, polling-day violence, and administrative non-cooperation.
Analysts suggest the standoff could escalate into a constitutional flashpoint if the state continues to defy statutory directions.
