ECI replaces Bhabanipur RO after strong protest from TMC over links with Suvendu

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken the decisive step of replacing the Returning Officer (RO) for the high-profile Bhabanipur Assembly constituency following a strong objection from the Trinamool Congress. The controversy erupted after Surjit Roy, the BDO of Nandigram, was appointed to oversee the Bhabanipur polls. The ruling party formally complained to the Commission on March 24, alleging that Roy is "too close" to Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and that his appointment would compromise the neutrality of the election in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s home turf.

Under pressure from these allegations, the ECI sent a formal communiqué to West Bengal Chief Secretary Dushmanta Narial, requesting a panel of three suitable officers to fill the vacancy. This move is seen as an attempt to restore confidence in the electoral process, especially since Suvendu Adhikari is challenging the Chief Minister in this very seat. Nabanna sources confirmed that the state government acted swiftly on Thursday, submitting the requested names to the Commission to ensure the administrative transition is completed before the nomination process intensifies.

The removal of Surjit Roy has sparked a heated debate in political circles regarding the impartiality of the Election Commission. While the TMC hailed the move as a victory for "free and fair elections," the BJP has questioned whether the state government is attempting to exert undue influence over election officials. Many political observers believe the Commission’s decision to ask for a panel—rather than unilaterally appointing a replacement—is a strategic move to de-escalate tensions with the state administration, which was reportedly "furious" about being bypassed in the initial appointment.