Within hours of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) coming into effect following the announcement of assembly election dates, the Election Commission took a significant administrative step by removing two of West Bengal’s top bureaucrats late Saturday night.
The Commission relieved Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty of her duties and appointed 1993-batch IAS officer Dushyant Nariyala as the new Chief Secretary of the state. At the same time, Sanghamitra Ghosh, a 1997-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the new Principal Secretary of the Home and Hill Affairs Department.
According to the Commission’s directive, both officers have been instructed to assume charge immediately. The state government has also been asked to submit a compliance report confirming their joining by 3 PM on Monday.
Officers Barred From Election-Related Duties
The Election Commission’s order also specifies that the officials who have been removed or transferred will not be assigned any election-related responsibilities until the entire election process is completed.
It is indicated that the step was taken to ensure that the election machinery operates without political influence and that the poll process remains free, fair, and transparent.
Rare Move by the Election Commission
The Commission’s decision to replace two senior administrative officers within hours of the election announcement is being seen as an unusual and decisive move.
Typically, the Election Commission reviews and reshuffles key administrative positions during elections to prevent any possible misuse of government machinery. In this case, the swift action came immediately after the MCC took effect in West Bengal and four other states where assembly elections have been announced.
Nandini Chakravorty Had Recently Become the State’s First Woman Chief Secretary
Nandini Chakravorty, a 1994-batch IAS officer, had taken charge as West Bengal’s Chief Secretary only about two and a half months ago, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the state.
She assumed the post on January 1, 2026, following the retirement of former Chief Secretary Dr. Manoj Pant on December 31, 2025. On the same day, Jagdish Prasad Meena was appointed Home Secretary after Chakravorty moved to the top administrative position.
Over the years, Chakravorty has served in several key departments within the state administration.
However, her tenure has also seen controversy. During her earlier posting as Principal Secretary to the Governor at Raj Bhavan, disagreements reportedly surfaced, following which she was shifted and appointed Principal Secretary in the Tourism Department. Later, in December 2023, she was appointed as the state’s Home Secretary before eventually becoming Chief Secretary.
