EC orders immediate transfer of Falta ARO Sourav Hazra ahead of polling

​​In a significant administrative move ahead of the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India has ordered the immediate transfer of Sourav Hazra, Joint Block Development Officer (BDO) of Falta Development Block, who was also serving as Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) for the 144-Falta Assembly constituency. The directive was issued through an official communication to the Chief Secretary of West Bengal on April 28.

According to the Commission’s order, Hazra has been transferred from Falta to the Purulia headquarters, where he will continue in the capacity of Joint BDO. In his place, Ramya Bhattacharya, currently serving as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the rank of Joint BDO, has been appointed to take over responsibilities in Falta with immediate effect. The reshuffle comes at a crucial juncture, just a day before polling in the constituency.

The Commission has instructed the state administration to implement the transfer without delay and submit a compliance report by 5:30 PM on the same day. The directive underscores the Commission’s emphasis on ensuring administrative neutrality and smooth conduct of the electoral process in sensitive constituencies during polling.