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Election Commission Transfers Falta Official, Removes Two ADMs Over Observer Row
The Election Commission transferred Falta's Joint BDO Sourav Hazra to Purulia and removed two ADMs from election duties amid protests tied to a police observer's activities in Falta. The observer, Ajay Pal Sharma, conducted route marches and searches, prompting protests by Trinamool Congress workers as polling approached.
Why It Matters
The EC's intervening transfers and duty removals ahead of the final polling phase underscore regulatory actions to manage protests and ensure a fair electoral environment in a sensitive Bengal constituency.
Timeline
5 Events
Falta polling context and security posture
April 28, 2026
Falta is characterized as a sensitive constituency within the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat. Central forces are deployed to ensure free and fair polling, with Falta scheduled to vote on April 29.
Sharma conducts route marches; protests escalate
April 28, 2026
On Tuesday, Sharma conducted route marches in sensitive areas and carried out searches based on inputs about potential troublemakers. Protests by Trinamool supporters near the party office accompanied his actions.
EC removes two ADMs from election-related duties
April 28, 2026
In a second order, the EC removed ADM Bhaskar Pal of South 24 Parganas and ADM Souvik Bhattacharya of Birbhum from all election-related duties.
EC transfers Falta Joint BDO Sourav Hazra to Purulia
April 28, 2026
The Election Commission transferred Sourav Hazra, the Joint Block Development Officer for Falta, to Purulia with immediate effect and appointed Ramya Bhattacharya as his replacement. Officials described the move as a routine transfer.
Sharma visits Jahangir Khan residence; protests begin
April 27, 2026
Special Police Observer Ajay Pal Sharma, accompanied by central force personnel, visited the residence of TMC candidate Jahangir Khan in Falta around Monday midnight and warned potential troublemakers of 'appropriate treatment' if disruptions occur. Trinamool Congress workers began protests in response to the observer's visit.