Kolkata, March 26 The Election Commission has asked the West Bengal government to submit a panel of three officials for appointment as returning officers (ROs) in the Bhabanipur assembly constituency after the ruling Trinamool Congress objected to the posting of an officer who, the party alleged, is close to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, an official said on Thursday.
Bhabanipur is the constituency of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, where Adhikari is set to challenge her in the upcoming polls.
Surajit Roy, the BDO of Nandigram, was earlier appointed as the RO for the high-profile seat, triggering protests from the Trinamool Congress, which alleged that he was “close” to Adhikari and could influence the poll process.
Adhikari, the leader of the opposition in the outgoing assembly, represents Nandigram constituency, where he defeated Banerjee in the 2021 state polls by 1,956 votes. The BJP has also nominated him as a candidate for this seat.
Following the complaint lodged by the ruling party, the poll panel wrote to Chief Secretary Dushmanta Narial, seeking a panel of three suitable officers for consideration.
A senior EC official said the move was aimed at ensuring “neutrality and transparency” in the conduct of elections.
“The Commission has taken note of the representation (of the TMC) received on March 24 and has sought a panel to ensure that the appointment process remains fair and unbiased,” the official told
