Kolkata: The Election Commission had rejected the plea of the government of West Bengal of reconsideration of transfer of seven top officials on Tuesday. EC had given up the ultimatum to it for complying with its order by 10 am on Wednesday.
EC had told the state chief secretary that its order of April 7 should be complied with by Wednesday morning.
The chief secretary had written to the commission on Tuesday morning that it reconsiders its Monday’s order transferring one district magistrate, two additional DMs and superintendents of police of Malda, Murshidabad, Burdwan, West Midnapore and Jargram.
One of the SPs had dual charge of West Midnapore and Jargram districts. A total 19 of Lok Sabha seats form part of these districts. The state has a total of 42 Lok Sabha seats.
Sources from EC over the plea of chief secretary, said, “We have reconsidered their request and reiterated that our orders of April 7 should be complied with by 10am tomorrow.”
The EC order on Monday had triggered a major row with the chief minister threatening to defy it saying none of the officials will be shifted as long as she is the chief minister. She had dared the poll panel to act against her, asserting she was prepared to be arrested and go to jail.
The chief secretary pointed out that the transfers and their replacements were done without consulting the state government in its letter.
CM of state Mamata Banerjee had taken serious exception to the transfers and said she was not going to accept the order while addressing a rally on Monday.
In a public meeting in Purulia, she said, “I know what is Constitution. I abide by the Constitution. We pay respect as deserved. But no one has the right to insult Bengal. I have not given you the right to insult me when I give respect to you. I will live with my head high as long as I live. I am not afraid of threats from Delhi.”
Bureau Report
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