ECI Suspension Of 4 Bengal Officials Triggers Pushback, Mamata Slams Move

Last Updated:August 07, 2025, 04:58 IST

The WBCS (Executive) Officers’ Association has written to the state chief secretary, requesting his intervention and urging a review of the Election Commission's decision

On August 5, the ECI suspended two electoral registration officers (EROs) and two assistant EROs (AEROs) for allegedly facilitating the inclusion of fictitious names in the voter list. File pic/PTI

The suspension of four government officers in West Bengal by the Election Commission of India (ECI) has triggered strong reactions from both the WBCS (Executive) Officers’ Association and chief minister Mamata Banerjee, deepening tensions between the state administration and the central poll panel.

On August 5, the ECI suspended two electoral registration officers (EROs) and two assistant EROs (AEROs) for allegedly facilitating the inclusion of fictitious names in the voter list. According to sources within the Election Commission, the suspended officers allegedly shared confidential email credentials with unauthorised individuals, enabling manipulation of electoral rolls. Following an initial summons by the chief electoral officer in Kolkata, an inquiry reportedly found the officers guilty, and the matter was forwarded to Delhi. The suspensions followed, along with a directive to the chief secretary of West Bengal to initiate FIRs against the accused officers.

The suspended officers are:

• Debottam Dutta Choudhury – WBCS (Exe.), 2012 batch; ERO, 137-Baruipur Purba AC
• Tathagata Mondal – AERO, 137-Baruipur Purba AC
• Biplab Sarkar – WBCS (Exe.), 2012 batch; ERO, 206-Moyna AC
• Sudipta Das – AERO, 206-Moyna AC

In response, the WBCS (Executive) Officers’ Association has written to the chief secretary, requesting his intervention and urging a review of the ECI’s decision. The association maintained that the officers acted in good faith under difficult circumstances, and there was no evidence of malicious intent.

“Administrative actions must be fair, proportionate, and considerate of the officers’ service records and morale," the letter said. It further added that such punitive measures have “deeply concerned the officer community" and could negatively impact morale at a time when integrity and neutrality in public service are crucial.

If the chief secretary does not act according to the ECI’s directive, the poll body can initiate action against him as it has plenary powers under the Constitution.

Mamata Banerjee Terms EC ‘BJP’s Bonded Labour’

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee also launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission over the suspensions. Speaking at an internal party meeting, she questioned the legality and timing of the action.

“Government workers are being intimidated. Two officers were served suspension notices yesterday. Have elections even been announced yet? Which law allows them to be suspended at this stage?" she said,

accusing the EC of acting on behalf of the ruling BJP at the Centre and union home minister Amit Shah.

BJP Defends Suspension

In contrast, the BJP has strongly backed the Election Commission, stating that the suspension and planned FIRs send a strong message about electoral integrity.

Senior BJP leaders said such strict actions are essential to prevent voter list manipulation and restore public trust in the electoral process.

Kamalika Sengupta

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East...Read More

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East...

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August 07, 2025, 04:54 IST

News india ECI Suspension Of 4 Bengal Officials Triggers Pushback, Mamata Slams Move

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