The West Bengal Civil Service (Executive) Association has written to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, raising concerns over the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) order seeking suspension of poll officers and registration of FIRs against them in connection with an alleged fake voter list.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday had said she would not “allow” the officers to be suspended and criticised the ECI over the matter.
The Association’s letter, dated August 6, a copy of which is with The Indian Express, states: “(We) humbly seek your kind and sympathetic intervention in connection with the recent order issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) dated August 5, directing the suspension of two WBCS (Executive) Officers in relation to matters concerning the ongoing revision of electoral rolls.”
“While the Association unequivocally upholds the importance of maintaining the sanctity and integrity of the electoral process and remains committed to the highest standards of public service… we also believe that any administrative action—particularly that which affects the service records and morale of career officers—ought to be considered within a framework of fairness, due diligence, and proportionality,” the letter adds.
“It is our understanding that the officers concerned have been discharging their responsibilities sincerely under challenging circumstances and had no deliberate or mala fide intent behind any procedural lapse, if any, that may have occurred,” the letter says.
“The suspension, in this context, appears to be a harsh measure and has caused deep concern among the officer community, potentially affecting morale during a period when dedication and neutrality in public service are most needed,” it adds.
“In light of the above, we earnestly request you to kindly take up the matter with the appropriate authorities, including the Hon’ble Election Commission of India, and consider a review of the suspension orders issued, ensuring that justice is meted out with empathy and fairness.”
On August 5, the ECI directed the suspension of five officials — including two WBCS (Executive) officers and two Assistant Electoral Registration Officers — in connection with the alleged fraudulent registration of 127 voters using forged documents in the Baruipur Purba and Moyna Assembly constituencies. A data entry operator was also named in the FIR for criminal misconduct. The action followed a report submitted by the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal.