EC removes Nandigram observer before polling, summons him to Kolkata amid rising tensions

In a significant development just two days before polling in the high-voltage Nandigram constituency, the Election Commission of India has removed the appointed election observer and summoned him to the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Kolkata. Hitesh Choudhury, who was overseeing the constituency, has been replaced by Akhilesh Singh, while being reassigned to assist at the CEO office. The Commission has not officially disclosed the reason behind the sudden reshuffle, triggering speculation over the timing of the decision.

The move comes amid rising political tension in Nandigram, where recent incidents have heightened concerns over law and order. Allegations of a late-night bomb attack targeting the house of a Bharatiya Janata Party leader and the subsequent recovery of fresh explosives had turned areas like Nayanan village in Daudpur into tense zones. Accusations were directed at local Trinamool Congress leaders Sheikh Sufian and Shamsul Islam, while demands for a National Investigation Agency probe were raised, with opposition leaders questioning the presence of explosives ahead of elections.

The situation intensified further following the arrest of influential Trinamool leader Habibur Rahman, the son-in-law of Sheikh Sufian, on allegations of distributing cash to influence voters. He was arrested from Mahammadpur after complaints that he was distributing money door-to-door. The Bharatiya Janata Party alleged attempts to buy votes and intimidate voters, while the ruling party denied the accusations. Rahman, who is the head of Daudpur Gram Panchayat, is also reportedly wanted in connection with a past bombing case.

Adding to the controversy, the Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal had earlier faced allegations from the Trinamool Congress regarding his visit to Nandigram. The party claimed that during his April 5 visit, he toured parts of the constituency accompanied by a local BJP leader and interacted with voters in their presence. A photograph was also released by the party to support its claims, further intensifying the political debate.

Against this backdrop, the Election Commission’s decision to replace the observer has drawn significant attention, with many linking it to the series of recent incidents, including allegations of cash distribution and security concerns in the constituency. However, no official explanation has been provided by the Commission so far. With polling scheduled for April 23, the developments have added another layer of uncertainty and scrutiny to one of the most closely watched electoral battlegrounds in the state.