New Delhi: In a significant development, the Election Commission of India has suspended seven officials from West Bengal over allegations of negligence, misconduct and misuse of constitutional powers.
The suspended officials were serving as Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) under the Commission. Booth-level officers and electoral registration officers are state government employees who work on deputation under the Commission for updating electoral rolls and conducting elections.
Commission officials have directed West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty to ensure that the concerned departments initiate disciplinary proceedings against the suspended officers without delay and inform the Commission at the earliest.
The action comes amid an ongoing tussle between the Commission and the All India Trinamool Congress-led state government over the voter list revision process in the state. The latest move is likely to further escalate tensions between the two sides.
