EC removes Bengal's chief secretary Nandini Chakraborty, home secretary Meena in late night order

In a sweeping administrative crackdown hours after announcing the 2026 Assembly election schedule, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the immediate removal of West Bengal’s Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Home). Nandini Chakravorty, who had been in the top post since late 2025, has been replaced by Dushyant Nariala, a 1993-batch IAS officer. Nariala, who was previously serving as the Additional Chief Secretary of the North Bengal Development Department, is expected to take charge immediately to oversee the election machinery.

The reshuffle also saw the exit of Jagdish Prasad Meena, the Principal Secretary for Home and Hill Affairs. He has been replaced by Sanghamitra Ghosh, a 1997-batch IAS officer. The ECI’s directive was explicit, demanding that the new officers join their posts by 3 PM on Monday, March 16. Furthermore, the outgoing officials have been barred from any election-related duties until the completion of the polls, signaling a stern stance by the commission on administrative neutrality.

This decision follows a series of reports concerning "non-compliance" and irregularities during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Sources indicate that the ECI was dissatisfied with the previous administration's handling of FIRs against election officials and delays in responding to directives. By installing a fresh leadership tier, the commission aims to ensure a "level playing field" for the two-phase elections scheduled for April 23 and April 29.