Law and order lapses during Bengal polls will not be tolerated: CEC
The Hindu
CEC Gyanesh Kumar warns West Bengal officials against law and order lapses during upcoming Assembly polls amid political tensions.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar warned senior administrative and police officials in West Bengal on Monday that lapses in maintaining law and order during the Assembly polls would not be tolerated.
Mr. Kumar and other officials of the Election Commission of India (ECI) held a meeting in Kolkata with representatives of political parties and officials on Monday (March 9, 2026). At the meeting, the CEC sought an explanation as to why West Bengal lacks a Narcotics Advisory Committee.
When Director General (Law and Order) Vineet Goyal attempted to respond, the CEC asked him to sit down and proceed with immediate corrective steps. According to officials, the CEC pulled up several enforcement agencies, including the excise department, the narcotics authorities, the Airports Authority of India, and the Reserve Bank of India, for lapses.
Mr. Kumar said that the Commission will not take responsibility for lapses by officials and said that if anyone was found to be on the wrong side action will be taken even after May (after the elections). The CEC also referred to lapses during the SIR and asked how experienced officers could allow such mistakes.
While the dates for the Assembly polls have yet to be announced, about 480 companies of central forces have been deployed in the State. During the meeting with the CEC, representatives of several political parties, while demanding that elections be held in fewer phases, raised concerns about political violence during elections in the State.
During the meeting with the Trinamool Congress delegation, the CEC asked Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya to lower her voice.
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