Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, West Bengal witnessed a major administrative reshuffle with Siddh Nath Gupta appointed as the new Director General of Police. Several senior officers were reassigned to strengthen law and order.
Siddh Nath Gupta Appointed as West Bengal DGP
Kolkata: Following the announcement of the West Bengal Assembly elections, administration have taken a major step and carried out extensive reshuffles at the police and administrative levels. As part of this reshuffle, several senior officers have been transferred and assigned new responsibilities. The government has appointed 1992-batch IPS officer Siddha Nath Gupta as the state's new Director General of Police (DGP). Natarajan Ramesh Babu has been given the responsibility of DG, Correctional Services.
As part of the administrative reshuffle, Ajay Mukund Ranade has been appointed Additional Director General (Law and Order). Ajay Kumar Nanda has been appointed the new Police Commissioner of Kolkata. These appointments are considered significant given the election atmosphere in the state.
The Election Commission has ordered the Chief Secretary of West Bengal to ensure compliance with all orders related to these appointments and transfers by 3 pm today. The Commission has also clarified in its directive that the police officers transferred will not be given any election-related responsibilities.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that all these transfers have been made with the aim of ensuring a fear-free and violence-free election in West Bengal. He stated that the Election Commission's goal is to ensure peaceful and fair voting in the state.
It is reported that prior to these major changes in the police department, the Election Commission has also replaced the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary of the state.
According to sources, the administration in West Bengal is already on alert to prevent possible post-poll violence. Keeping this in mind, police arrangements are being strengthened.
It is believed that in the coming days, the Election Commission may make further administrative transfers in the state to ensure a fair and peaceful election process.
It is noteworthy that the Election Commission announced the dates for the West Bengal Assembly elections on Sunday. Voting will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29, with the counting of votes taking place on May 4.
The election atmosphere in the state is rapidly heating up, and the administration appears to be on full alert to ensure a peaceful democratic process.
