The ECI has requested the deployment of central forces to protect the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer’s office following security threats and a "gherao" by political workers. (File)
Citing a recent “gherao” of the Chief Electoral Officer’s office allegedly by Booth Level Officers and political workers in late November, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked the Union Home Ministry to deploy Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) at the premises, flagging a potential “law and order” risk during the Special Summary Revision (SIR).
In a letter to Anil Subramaniam, Joint Secretary at the Home Ministry, ECI Secretary Sujeet Kumar Mishra wrote that “there was a law and order situation in front of the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, which was gheraoed by a crowd of Booth Level Officers and workers from certain political party(ies) on November 24 and 25… posing a serious security risk to officers and staff of the office of Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal.”
The letter added, “Considering the sensitivity involved during SIR exercise and forthcoming general election to the legislative assembly, occurrence of such incidents in future may not be ruled out.”
It also flagged “security and operational” concerns with the CEO’s office, which presently functions from rented space on two floors of a location on Netaji Subhash Bose Road. The office is being shifted to the Shipping House building at 13, Strand Road, BBD Bagh.
“Owing to the security vulnerabilities, lack of basic amenities and other operational issues, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer is being shifted… The shifting formalities will take some time and are likely to be completed in a few days,” the letter stated.
The ECI has sought immediate CAPF deployment to ensure round-the-clock security at the current premises and at the new office once relocation is completed.
A senior ECI official said, “At first, we thought it would be properly managed by our state police personnel. But later, we saw they are very much reluctant to tackle the situation. Then, we decided to ask for the central forces’ deployment.”
