TMC asks EC to remove returning officer of Mamata Banerjee’s Bhabanipur constituency; here is why

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.

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.