Mamata slams EC for its ‘unilateral midnight transfers’, says poll panel anti-women, anti

Opp BJP and CPI(M) hail the bureaucratic rejig as a ‘step towards free and fair polls’.

Launching a scathing attack on the Election Commission (EC) for its “midnight” decision to transfer top administrative and police officers in West Bengal, shortly after the 2026 Assembly election schedule was announced, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday branded the poll panel “anti-women and anti-Bengal” even as the Opposition BJP and CPI(M) hailed the rejig as a “step towards free and fair polls”.

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Earlier in the day, at a protest over the LPG price hike, Banerjee questioned the timing and the lack of communication regarding the removal of senior officials, including Nandini Chakraborty, the first woman chief secretary of the state.

“Have you ever heard of this happening at midnight?

A political party is using someone to carry out a secret rampage behind the scenes at midnight, like a ‘superstorm’.

The chief secretary is a Bengali woman; you all are anti-woman.

Previously, the rule was to ask for a list from our state government.

We would send three names, out of which they would select.

Now, it is as if a ‘Magher Muluk’ (lawless land)… acting like zamindars and landlords just to satisfy the BJP,” said the CM.

The TMC supremo alleged that the EC’s actions displayed a bias against both Bengali and efficient non-Bengali officers who do not comply with the Center’s political agenda.

“You didn’t feel the need to ask the state even once?

All to act as brokers for the BJP,” she asked.

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Dismissing the impact of the transfers on the polls, Banerjee said the reshuffle won’t change the will of the masses.

“But remember: ‘Vinash kaale viprit buddhi’ (when destruction looms, one’s intellect fails).

No matter which officer you send, they will all work for us; they will work for the people,” she said.

Mamata also linked the current political situation to broader economic grievances, citing price hikes in essential commodities and the history of public “lines” under the central administration.

“How many more lines will the people stand in?

The line for demonetisation… The line for Aadhaar cards… And now, yet again, a line for gas.

How many more lines will you make the people stand in?

By making the public stand in lines, you yourselves will become ‘de-lined’ in the coming days.

You have hiked the price of gas in one jump,” she said.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, said, “I am happy that the EC brought back officials who were shunted by the Mamata government… Those efficient non-partisan IAS and IPS officials, who had been given insignificant postings by the TMC regime, will now be in charge of law and order to ensure smooth, fair, and incident-free polls.”
CPI(M) central committee member Sujan Chakraborty said the state administration’s conduct made such action significant this time.

“The state of administration in Bengal is such that an official can take off his uniform and immediately become a Rajya Sabha member of TMC,” he said, referring to former DGP Rajeev Kumar.

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express.

With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats.

Experience & Authority
Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal.

Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness.

Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics.

Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism.

Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage.

Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement.

Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills.

Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College.

Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting.

Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region.

Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express.

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