Election Commission Shakes Up Bureaucracy Ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha Polls

In a move to ensure electoral fairness, key officials in several states have been replaced, including West Bengal's police chief.

The Election Commission of India has initiated a significant bureaucratic reorganization, removing six Home Secretaries and the Director-General of Police in West Bengal ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
This move is aimed at ensuring a level playing field for all political parties during the upcoming elections and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
Rajeev Kumar, the removed DGP of West Bengal known for his close ties to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has been replaced by IPS officer Vivek Sahay.
The personnel removed were found to be holding dual charge, potentially compromising their required neutrality, especially in relation to law and order before, during, and after polling.
The Election Commission's actions come as part of its efforts to prevent election-related violence and maintain a fair electoral process, after announcing that voting will begin on April 19 and run over seven phases till June 1.