“Undeclared Emergency”: Mamata Slams Election Commission Over Officer Transfers

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India, accusing it of “unprecedented targeting” of the state ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. In a strongly worded statement on social media, Banerjee alleged that over 50 senior officials—including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police, and multiple officers across administrative and police ranks—have been “summarily and arbitrarily removed” even before the formal election notification. “This is not administrative action; this is political interference of the highest order,” she said, warning that such moves undermine institutional neutrality and constitutional principles.

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— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 19, 2026

The Chief Minister further claimed that the ongoing electoral process is being compromised, citing delays in the publication of supplementary electoral rolls, which she said goes against directions of the Supreme Court of India. She also raised concerns over the removal and transfer of officers from key agencies such as IB, STF, and CID, alleging a “calculated attempt” to weaken the state’s administrative framework. Banerjee questioned the intent behind these actions, indirectly targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asking why the party was “so desperate” and accusing it of attempting to gain control of West Bengal through “coercion, intimidation, and manipulation.” Highlighting alleged inconsistencies in the Commission’s decisions, she pointed out that some officers removed from election duties were later reassigned as election observers. She also flagged administrative lapses, including the temporary absence of police leadership in key urban centres like Siliguri and Bidhannagar, calling it a sign of “chaos and incompetence.” Describing the situation as an “undeclared emergency” and a form of “unpromulgated President’s Rule,” Banerjee asserted that democratic norms were being undermined for political gain. She expressed solidarity with state officials and their families, stating they were being targeted for performing their duties with integrity. Reaffirming her stance, the Chief Minister said, “Bengal has never bowed to intimidation and it never will,” adding that the people of the state would resist any attempt to impose a “divisive and destructive agenda.”