English
English
English
The alleged incident occurred on March 27 (Image: Internet)
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has directed the immediate suspension of a Joint Block Development Officer (Jt BDO) in West Bengal in connection with the upcoming 2026 Legislative Assembly elections.
The directive, issued on April 3, 2026, was addressed to the Chief Secretary of the state, calling for urgent action against Smt. Jyotsna Khatun, who is posted in Khandaghosh Development Block and designated as Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) for the 259-Khandaghosh Assembly constituency.
Assembly Elections 2026: AIMIM releases first list of 12 candidates for West Bengal polls
According to the official communication, the decision follows a recommendation from the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal. The Commission has approved the proposal to not only suspend the officer but also initiate formal disciplinary proceedings.
The move underscores the Commission’s emphasis on maintaining neutrality and integrity in the election process, especially for officials directly involved in poll-related duties.
The Commission has instructed that the suspension be implemented with immediate effect. Authorities have also been directed to submit a compliance report by 11:00 AM on April 4, 2026.
This tight deadline reflects the urgency with which the poll body is acting to ensure that any potential irregularities are addressed promptly ahead of the elections.
In addition to the suspension, the state government has been asked to urgently propose a replacement for the now-vacant post of Jt BDO in Khandaghosh. The position is critical as it is linked to election management responsibilities in the constituency.
The order was issued under the authority of Sujeet Kumar Mishra, Secretary to the Commission. A copy of the directive has also been sent to the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, for necessary follow-up action.
The development highlights the Election Commission’s continued efforts to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections by taking swift action against any official lapses or concerns during the electoral process.
