Kolkata: In a strategic move ahead of vote counting for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has appointed retired IPS officer and Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Kumar as a key counting observer for the Dumdum–Barrackpore organisational district.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and party leader Abhishek Banerjee with party counting agents on Saturday.
TMC’s Strategy: Deploy Observers Across Districts
According to party sources, the leadership has decided to deploy counting observers across all organisational districts to closely monitor the counting process and ensure coordination on the ground.
As part of this plan:
- Rajeev Kumar has been assigned Dumdum–Barrackpore
- Deepak Adhikari (Dev) will oversee Ghatal
- June Malia has been given charge of Medinipur
This district-level observer model mirrors the party’s strategy during previous elections, including the Lok Sabha polls.
Meeting Focused on Counting Day Preparedness
The meeting primarily focused on preparing counting agents for the crucial day. Party leaders urged workers to remain alert and not be influenced by exit poll predictions.
Sources said Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee cautioned that exit polls projecting a lead for the BJP could be aimed at influencing public sentiment and morale.
Leaders also reminded party workers of similar situations during the 2021 Assembly elections and 2024 Lok Sabha polls, where exit polls did not reflect final outcomes.
Who Is Rajeev Kumar?
Rajeev Kumar is a retired IPS officer of the 1989 batch of the West Bengal cadre, widely known for his long and eventful career in policing and administration.
Early Life and Education
- Born on January 31, 1966, in Chandausi, Uttar Pradesh
- Son of Prof. Anand Kumar; grandson of former MP Ramsaran
- Holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from the IIT Roorkee (formerly University of Roorkee)
Distinguished IPS Career
During his nearly three-decade-long service, Rajeev Kumar held several key positions:
- Director General of Police (DGP), West Bengal (till January 31, 2026)
- Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar
- Head of the Special Task Force (STF)
- Additional Chief Secretary (IT Department), West Bengal
He is particularly noted for his technical expertise in modern policing, including the development of the cyber security wing of Kolkata Police.
Transition to Politics and Rajya Sabha Role
After retiring as DGP, Rajeev Kumar joined the All India Trinamool Congress and was nominated to the Rajya Sabhaon February 27, 2026. He took oath as a Member of Parliament in April 2026.
His appointment as a counting observer marks his active involvement in the party’s electoral strategy.
Controversies and High-Profile Cases
Rajeev Kumar’s career has also seen controversies:
- Saradha chit fund case (2019): Faced allegations by the CBI regarding handling of electronic evidence
- Election Commission actions: Removed from duty during the 2016 and 2024 elections over perceived proximity to the state leadership
Despite these challenges, he remained a significant figure in West Bengal’s administrative and political landscape.
Counting Day and Political Stakes
The 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections were held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
With high voter turnout and intense competition between the All India Trinamool Congress and the BJP, the appointment of observers like Rajeev Kumar reflects TMC’s effort to maintain strict oversight during counting and ensure coordination at every level.
