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ECI Reassigns 483 Officials in West Bengal After Court Upholds Poll-Time Shake-Up

The move follows intelligence-led reviews to avert a repeat of the 2021 post‑poll violence.

Overview

  • The Calcutta High Court, which dismissed a challenge on Tuesday, left the Election Commission's West Bengal transfer orders in place.
  • The commission has moved 483 officials in the state, compared with 23 across Assam, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and none in Puducherry.
  • The reshuffle rolled out in phases on March 15, March 17–18, March 23 and March 29, covering top bureaucrats, IPS and IAS officers, returning officers, block officials and inspector‑rank police.
  • Election officials say ground intelligence, reports from the state CEO's office and inputs from central observers drove the decisions to secure free and fair voting.
  • Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleges the changes aim to influence nominations, while the BJP says the Election Commission is acting within its powers.