Governor-Government clash escalates over Bengal Election Commissioner appointment

• Conflict over the appointment of the State Election Commissioner in West Bengal escalates between Raj Bhavan and the state secretariat, as Governor's approval is yet to be received for the recommended names

• Former chief secretary Rajiv Sinha's name was initially proposed but deemed insufficient, leading to the state government sending another recommendation for Ajit Ranjan Bardhan, which also faced dissatisfaction

• The administrative crisis deepens as the tenure of the former Commissioner ends, and with the Governor's absence, the uncertainty over the appointment is expected to prolong, causing concerns for the upcoming panchayat elections

The ongoing conflict between the Raj Bhavan and the state secretariat over the appointment of the State Election Commissioner in West Bengal has taken a new turn, as Governor C.V. Anand Bose has yet to approve the names suggested by the state government. This impasse has created an administrative crisis, as the tenure of the former Commissioner, Sourav Das, ended on Monday, leaving the crucial position vacant

Initially, the state secretariat recommended the name of Rajiv Sinha, a former chief secretary of West Bengal, for the role of State Election Commissioner. However, sources reveal that Governor Bose was not convinced by this sole recommendation and requested the state government to provide additional names for consideration. In response, the state government put forward the name of Ajit Ranjan Bardhan, the current Additional Chief Secretary of the North Bengal Development Department

Surprisingly, the Governor's House was still dissatisfied with the second recommendation and has sought another name for the position. This development has further complicated the administrative crisis surrounding the crucial appointment, especially considering the upcoming elections for the three-tier panchayat system in the state

As Governor Bose is expected to be absent for the next few days, the uncertainty regarding the appointment is likely to persist. Bureaucratic circles opine that although the matter may be delayed for some time, ultimately, the Governor's House will have to choose one of the recommended names. According to anonymous bureaucrats, there is limited provision for the governor to insist on his choice for the State Election Commissioner unless the state government agrees.