Kolkata: In a major administrative reshuffle following the formation of the new BJP government in West Bengal under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, senior IAS officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of the state. The appointment was officially announced on May 11, 2026, marking a significant transition in Bengal’s bureaucracy after the 2026 Assembly elections.
Mr Agarwal, a 1990-batch IAS officer of the West Bengal cadre, was previously serving as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal and ex-officio Additional Chief Secretary in the Home and Hill Affairs Department. He succeeds Dushyant Nariala, who has been moved to New Delhi as the Principal Resident Commissioner.
According to the official order issued by Raj Bhavan, “The Governor is pleased to appoint Shri Manoj Kumar Agarwal, IAS (WB:1990), as Chief Secretary to the Government of West Bengal.”
IIT Graduate With Over 36 Years of Administrative Experience
Born on July 8, 1966, Mr Agarwal hails originally from Uttar Pradesh. He studied at La Martiniere College, Lucknow, and later earned a B.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kanpur.
Over a distinguished administrative career spanning more than three decades, Agarwal has handled 27 different assignments across state and central government departments. Known for his administrative experience and strong bureaucratic background, he has served in several high-profile positions in West Bengal.
Key Roles Held by Manoj Agarwal
Throughout his career, Agarwal has worked in multiple important administrative and governance roles, including:
District Administration
- District Magistrate of North Dinajpur (1999–2001)
- District Magistrate of Bardhaman (2001–2003)
Senior Secretariat Positions
- Principal Secretary, Food and Supplies Department
- Principal Secretary, Fire and Emergency Services
- Additional Chief Secretary, Forest Department
- Additional Chief Secretary, Disaster Management and Civil Defence
Central Deputation
IAS Agarwal also served in Delhi on central deputation, including:
- Personal Secretary to former Union Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi
- Roles in the Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
He currently also serves as the President of the West Bengal State IAS Association.
Appointment as Chief Electoral Officer in 2025
IAS Agarwal was appointed as West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in March 2025. His appointment had drawn attention after the Election Commission rejected the state government’s initial shortlist and sought a revised panel of officers nearing retirement after the 2026 Assembly elections.
According to senior bureaucratic sources, the Election Commission preferred an officer who would remain insulated from political pressure while overseeing the crucial Assembly polls.
As CEO, Agarwal supervised the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls — a politically sensitive exercise that reportedly led to the removal of nearly 91 lakh voter names from electoral lists.
Political Controversies and Criticism
IAS Agarwal’s tenure as CEO became politically contentious, especially during the voter list revision exercise. Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) repeatedly criticised him, accusing him of bias and favouring the BJP.
The TMC even lodged a formal complaint before the Election Commission alleging “partisan conduct.” Senior TMC leader Chandrima Bhattacharya also revived references to an old disproportionate assets case against him.
In 2013, the CBI filed a chargesheet alleging that Agarwal and his wife possessed disproportionate assets worth Rs 1.46 crore. However, he was acquitted by a Delhi court in 2018. The CBI later challenged the acquittal in the Delhi High Court, where the matter remains pending.
Despite the controversy, Agarwal has often been viewed within bureaucratic circles as an independent and firm administrator.
BJP Defends Appointment
The BJP strongly defended the appointment, stating that Manoj Agarwal was the senior-most IAS officer serving in the state and his selection reflected the government’s commitment to restoring bureaucratic integrity.
In a post on X, the BJP said the appointment was made “in keeping with its promise to restore the dignity of the laws of the land.”
The party also contrasted the move with the previous TMC government, alleging that bureaucratic norms had earlier been bypassed through supersession of officers.
From Election Oversight to Bengal’s Highest Bureaucratic Office
Agarwal’s elevation is particularly notable because he transitions directly from overseeing the Assembly elections as CEO to becoming the state’s top bureaucrat. His administrative experience, electoral management role, and long-standing service within Bengal’s governance structure are expected to play a major role in shaping the new BJP government’s administrative agenda.
With retirement scheduled for July 31, 2026, Manoj Agarwal is expected to serve a brief but politically significant tenure as Chief Secretary during a crucial transition phase in West Bengal politics.
