"Won't tolerate violence, negligence during election": CEC warns ADG, DMs and SPs

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday held a high-level meeting with West Bengal’s District Magistrates (DMs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) in Kolkata. The CEC delivered a crystal-clear message: any form of election-related violence or administrative negligence will face immediate and severe consequences. He emphasized that the Commission is monitoring every movement and will not hesitate to take action against those failing to maintain law and order.

The meeting took a particularly intense turn when the CEC reportedly reprimanded ADG Vineet Goyal and several other senior officials. Gyanesh Kumar reminded the administration that every official’s actions leave a "digital footprint" and that accountability is paramount. He reportedly told Goyal and the assembled DMs to "sit down" and focus on execution rather than excuses, signaling a departure from standard diplomatic dialogue.

The Commission's aggressive mood stems from the history of poll-related unrest in the state. To counter this, the CEC directed the local administration to ensure a fear-free environment for voters. He made it clear that the Election Commission would take direct control of the security apparatus if the local machinery showed any signs of bias or lethargy in curbing intimidation at the grassroots level.