 "Mamata Banerjee")
The drama surrounding West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Election Commission of India finally ended in the late evening, with the state government's retreat, accepting the order on transfer of eight government officials.
The Trinamool Congress supremo fell in line following an ultimatum from the EC but only after making some sweeping allegations against the poll panel and saying her retreat was temporary.
“As of now, we will accept the EC decision. But we will reinstate all transferred officers in their original positions after the elections,” Banerjee told reporters in Durgapur on the late evening of Tuesday. This was after the EC turned down the state government's request to reconsider the transfer order.
Banerjee, however, made an unprecedented attack on the EC. “The people of Bengal will give a fitting reply to those who are conspiring to win votes by malpractice. I do not disrespect the Election Commission but I will not accept any wrongdoing. EC should focus on voters and the process of polling. They have no right to interfere in law and order issues,” she declared.
She went on to single out Deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi as a conspirator and demanded his resignation, without naming him, though she had on Monday made direct allegations against him. “A non-bailable warrant was issued against him in some case in Rajasthan. He has taken a stay order from Supreme Court. How can the EC give charge to a person who is accused in so many frauds?” she demanded. Banerjee also criticised the EC for not consulting the state in deciding the replacements, a point made by the chief secretary as well in a letter to the EC earlier in the day.
A day after the EC had ordered transfer of five superintendents of police (SPs), one district magistrate (DM) and two additional district magistrates (ADMs), Sanjay Mitra, the CS, wrote to the Commission, agreeing to transfer the officials but expressing the “inability” to appoint the replacements suggested.
Mitra said the letter was written in accordance with the “chief minister’s directions”. Responding to the letter, the poll panel turned down the state’s proposal and extended the deadline for full implementation of its order to 10 am on Wednesday.
The state officials then held an emergency meeting at the secretariat. The CS then sent a note to Banerjee, indicating there was almost no option but to accept the EC order. Following this, the CM, in Durgapur for an election campaign, announced her decision to accept the order.
A RAGING BATTLE
The sequence of events
- Monday: EC orders transfer of 5 SPs, 1 DM and 2 ADMs, specifies replacements for each post; Mamata Banerjee refuses to carry out the order, cries conspiracy and says she is ready to go to jail for defying the order
- Tuesday morning: The West Bengal govt seeks the attorney-general’s opinion; the chief secretary writes to the Election Commission, saying the state govt is ready to transfer the officials but not to appoint the replacements
- Tuesday afternoon: Banerjee reiterates her stand
- Tuesday evening: EC turns down the state government’s offer; extends deadline for implementing its order to 10 am on Wednesday
- Late evening: The chief secretary holds a meeting; sends note to Banerjee
- Later in the day: Chief minister accepts the EC order, saying officials would be reinstated soon after poll
