For the first time in history, Election Commission takes over KMC!

In an unprecedented move ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, the Election Commission has taken control of the Kolkata Municipality, raising concerns over the functioning of essential civic services. For the first time since independence, the municipal office will operate under the Commission’s supervision.

The office of the Municipal Commissioner will now function as the office of the electoral officer for North Kolkata. IAS officer Sumit Gupta, currently serving as the municipal commissioner, will also handle responsibilities as the election officer for the region.

With this arrangement in place, routine municipal activities will require prior approval from the Election Commission. This includes administrative meetings, municipal sessions and even day-to-day civic operations, significantly altering the functioning of the civic body during the election period.

The decision has sparked concerns over possible disruption of citizen services, including waste management and basic maintenance work. While officials have assured that minimum services will continue, apprehensions remain over delays and administrative hurdles during the election phase.