Amid high political tension during the counting of votes for the 2026 Assembly elections, Dushyant Nariala, Chief Secretary of West Bengal, issued a crucial directive to safeguard government records across departments.
The order—Directive No. 95/CS/2026 dated May 4—places personal responsibility on all departmental heads to ensure the protection and integrity of official documents during the sensitive counting phase.
The directive comes at a time when early trends indicate a strong lead for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reportedly ahead in 187 to 205 of the total 294 seats. If the trend holds, it could potentially end the 15-year rule of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the state.
The Assembly elections in West Bengal were conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting underway amid tight security arrangements.
The unusual nature of the directive has drawn attention from journalists and political observers, many of whom view it as a precautionary measure reflecting concerns over administrative continuity and document security during a possible transition of power.
While some reactions suggest it highlights past bureaucratic anxieties, others believe the move is aimed at preventing any potential tampering or mishandling of official records during this crucial political juncture.
As counting progresses, all eyes remain on the final outcome, which could significantly reshape the political landscape of West Bengal.
