Lok Sabha elections 2024: EC orders removal of Home Secretaries in six states, West Bengal DGP

PTC Web Desk: In a significant move aimed at upholding the principles of free, fair, and transparent elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued directives for the removal of Home Secretaries in six states — Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Besides, the Secretary of the General Administrative Department in Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh has also been relieved of their duties.

The Election Commission's action extends to all state governments, urging them to transfer officials involved in election-related tasks who have completed three years or are serving in their home districts. Notably, Maharashtra faced reprimand for non-compliance with the directions concerning several Municipal Commissioners and additional/deputy Municipal Commissioners. The Chief Secretary of Maharashtra received displeasure from the Commission, accompanied by directives to transfer the officers concerned, including those from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), by 6 pm on the same day.

The decision was made during a commission meeting chaired by CEC Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.

The officials removed in these states were found to hold dual charges in the office of Chief Minister, potentially compromising impartiality and neutrality, particularly in matters related to law and order and deployment of forces during elections.

The Election Commission has also taken action to remove the Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal. This decision was prompted by the DGP's previous removal from active election management duties during the 2016 Assembly Elections in the state and the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.

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