Beyond shameless: TMC attacks BJP, EC after ex-Bengal CEO appointed chief secretary

The appointment is noted to come ahead of the May 21 Falta bypoll.

Sources said chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar commended Agarwal for overseeing the West Bengal assembly elections largely peacefully during his tenure as CEO.

The piece outlines Agarwal's career path, including roles such as ADM of Burdwan and principal secretary in departments like personnel and administrative reforms, food and supplies, and fire and emergency services.

The article notes that West Bengal has had precedents for such extensions, with former chief secretaries continuing in office beyond age limits.

Agarwal is a 1990-batch IAS officer of the West Bengal cadre, due to retire on July 31, with reports that he could receive at least a six-month extension subject to a recommendation from the state government and approval by the Centre.

The BJP defended the decision, saying it appointed the senior-most IAS officer and followed service rules.

The article reports that days after conceding defeat in West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress attacked the BJP government over Manoj Agarwal's appointment as chief secretary. TMC leader Saket Gokhale posted on X criticizing the move and questioning the neutrality of the election process.

Approximately ten months after his June 2024 appointment, Agarwal became the chief electoral officer of West Bengal.

Manoj Agarwal was appointed as additional chief secretary of the forest department in West Bengal in June 2024.