Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Mar 29: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday ordered the transfer of 184 inspector-rank police officers across West Bengal as part of preparations for the upcoming two-phase Assembly elections.

Of the total officers shifted, 153 belong to the West Bengal Police, while 31 are from the Kolkata Police. Most of them were serving as inspectors-in-charge or officers-in-charge at police stations.

Earlier in the day, the poll body had also transferred 83 Block Development Officers and Assistant Returning Officers, continuing a series of administrative reshuffles since the election schedule was announced on March 15.

The transfer exercise has been carried out in phases, beginning with senior officers such as chief secretary-level bureaucrats and top police leadership, followed by district-level officials including District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police. The latest round targets lower and mid-level functionaries across both civil and police administration.

The move has sparked political reactions, with Mamata Banerjee and leaders of the Trinamool Congress accusing the Commission of acting under pressure from the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Meanwhile, the matter has also reached the Calcutta High Court, where a public interest litigation challenging the transfers has been heard, with the verdict currently reserved.

West Bengal will go to polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, covering 152 and 142 Assembly constituencies respectively, with counting scheduled for May 4.