‘Severe impact on the fairness’: Mamata objects to Bengal CEO’s outsourced hiring of data staff, booths in private complexes

“When district offices already have a substantial number of competent professionals performing such functions, what necessitates the CEO’s initiative to outsource the same work through an external agency for a full year? Traditionally, field offices have always hired their own contractual data entry personnel as per requirement. If there is an urgent need, DEOs are fully empowered to undertake such hiring themselves,” Banerjee wrote.

“Why, then, is the CEO’s office assuming this role on behalf of field offices? What substantive difference is expected in the service conditions or contractual obligations between those already engaged and those to be hired through the proposed agency? Is this exercise being undertaken at the behest of a political party to serve vested interests? The timing and manner of this RfP certainly raise legitimate doubts,” she added.

Banerjee also objected to a proposal to set up polling stations in high-rise apartment complexes across cities and towns, including Kolkata.

“It has further been brought to my attention that the Election Commission is considering setting up polling stations within private residential complexes, and DEOs have been asked to provide recommendations,” she wrote.

“This proposal is deeply problematic. Polling stations have always been — and must remain — located in government or semi-government institutions, preferably within a 2 km radius, to ensure accessibility and neutrality. Private buildings are typically avoided for clear reasons: they compromise fairness, violate established norms, and create discriminatory distinctions between privileged residents and the general public — the haves and have-nots,” she wrote.

“Why is such a move being contemplated at all? Again, is this being done under pressure from a political party to advance their partisan… Why? Why? Why? The implications of such a decision would have a severe impact on the fairness of the electoral process. I urge you to examine these issues with utmost seriousness, impartiality, and transparency. It is essential that the dignity, neutrality, and credibility of the Commission remain above reproach and are not compromised under any circumstances,” the letter stated.