Assembly elections 2026 LIVE: ECI's transfer of over 50 officials political interference of highest order, says West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

Assembly elections 2026 LIVE: ECI's transfer of over 50 officials political interference of highest order, says West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

**West Bengal CM Accuses ECI of Politicized Transfers Ahead of Elections**

**Kolkata, [Date]** – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the recent transfer of over 50 officials in the state, labeling the move as a “political interference of the highest order” and a “direct assault on the Constitution.” The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson made these accusations during an ongoing election period, asserting that the ECI’s actions represent a “systematic politicisation of institutions.”

The Chief Minister’s statement comes amidst heightened political activity in the state as it gears up for the upcoming assembly elections. Banerjee, a vocal critic of the ECI’s recent directives, has consistently maintained that the commission’s decisions are biased and aimed at undermining the state government’s authority. Her latest remarks underscore a growing tension between the state administration and the electoral body, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the electoral process.

According to sources close to the Chief Minister’s office, the transfers, which reportedly affect senior administrative and police officials, are seen by the TMC as a deliberate attempt to destabilize the state administration and influence the election outcome. Banerjee has argued that such large-scale transfers, especially during the pre-election phase, are unprecedented and suggest an undue influence of political forces on the functioning of the ECI. She further elaborated that these actions are not merely administrative decisions but a calculated strategy to weaken democratic institutions and subvert the constitutional framework.

The Trinamool Congress has a history of clashing with central agencies and institutions, often accusing them of acting at the behest of the ruling party at the center. This latest confrontation with the Election Commission adds another layer to the ongoing political narrative in West Bengal, where the TMC is seeking to retain power against a formidable opposition.

The ECI, on its part, has not yet issued a detailed response to Banerjee’s allegations. However, it is understood that such transfers are often carried out to ensure a level playing field and prevent any potential misuse of administrative power by officials perceived to be aligned with the incumbent government. The commission’s mandate is to conduct free and fair elections, and it possesses the authority to take necessary administrative measures to achieve this objective.

The political ramifications of these accusations are significant. Banerjee’s strong stance is likely to resonate with her party’s base and could galvanize support against what she terms as “central overreach.” Conversely, the opposition parties may seek to leverage these allegations to question the TMC’s preparedness and governance, framing it as a distraction from electoral issues.

As the election campaign intensifies, the ECI’s role and its adherence to constitutional principles will remain under intense scrutiny. The Chief Minister’s accusations have undoubtedly set a confrontational tone, and the coming days are expected to witness further political sparring as both the state government and the electoral commission navigate the complexities of the electoral season. The public will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold and what impact they will have on the democratic exercise in West Bengal.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.