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TMC asks EC to remove returning officer of Mamata Banerjee’s Bhabanipur constituency; here is why
The TMC demands that the Bhabanipur returning officer, Nandigram-II BDO Surajit Roy, not be assigned any poll-related duties 'to preserve the integrity of the electoral process’.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. (File photo)
In its first such move for Mamata Banerjee’s Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress has complained to the Election Commission of India (ECI) against the appointment of Surajit Roy as the returning officer, arguing that “he is closely associated with” Suvendu Adhikari, the BJP candidate facing off with the chief minister for the seat.
On Tuesday, Mamata Banerjee also criticised Surajit Roy’s appointment.
In a letter addressed to the chief election commissioner, TMC national working committee member and Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien wrote on Wednesday, “It is noted that Surajit Roy was previously serving as the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Nandigram-II Block. There exist credible apprehensions regarding the independence and ability of Shri Surajit Roy to discharge his duties as Returning Officer. It is widely known that he is closely associated with Suvendu Adhikari of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Notably, Suvendu Adhikari is contesting from the Bhawanipur Assembly Constituency, thereby giving rise to a reasonable likelihood of bias and lack of neutrality in the discharge of Surajit Roy’s functions as Returning Officer.”
The move comes within 48 hours of the ECI appointing 73 returning officers across the state.
“The role of a Returning Officer is central to ensuring free, fair and transparent elections. Any reasonable apprehension of bias, conflict of interest, or lack of independence in such an office undermines public confidence in the electoral process and runs contrary to the mandate of Article 324 of the Constitution of India, which vests the Election Commission of India with the responsibility of conducting elections in a fair, transparent and impartial manner,” the letter read.
O’Brien’s letter noted that the Election Commission has consistently issued directions that officers with political proximity, perceived bias, or doubtful neutrality ought not to be deployed in election-related functions.
“The appointment of Surajit Roy, in the present facts, is contrary to these principles. The Model Code of Conduct further mandates that the administrative machinery must remain neutral and must not confer any undue advantage on any political party. The continuation of an officer whose neutrality is
reasonably in doubt directly undermines this requirement,” the letter stated.
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The TMC sought the immediate removal of Surajit Roy as the returning officer for Bhabanipur and demanded that he not be assigned any election-related duties. It also sought an “independent, neutral and senior officer with no perceived political affiliation” as the returning officer.
The party also demanded that “such further directions be issued as may be necessary to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in the said constituency”.
West Bengal will vote in two phases, on April 23 and 29, with counting on May 4.
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