On 29 November 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a directive for the immediate relocation of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office in West Bengal following a serious security breach that exposed significant vulnerabilities in the protection of its staff.
The decision came after protests and unrest at the Kolkata CEO office, where several booth-level officers (BLOs) reportedly surrounded the premises, expressing their grievances over mounting workloads, alleged harassment, and safety concerns during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The ECI described the incident as alarming and emphasized that the current security arrangements were insufficient to safeguard the CEO, supporting officers, and administrative staff. The directive mandated that the WB CEO office be moved to a more secure location, with the Kolkata Police instructed to provide comprehensive security both during and after the transition.
Additionally, senior officers from the ECI headquarters in New Delhi have been deployed to assist in monitoring operations, ensuring that the electoral roll revision continues uninterrupted, and to support the West Bengal CEO in addressing emerging security concerns.
The proposed new office, reportedly situated in the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) building on Strand Road, has been fast-tracked to minimize disruption. The relocation not only addresses immediate security concerns but also reflects the ECI’s broader objective of protecting staff members while maintaining the integrity and transparency of the ongoing electoral processes.
Enhanced security measures at both the current and new premises include round-the-clock police protection, surveillance upgrades, and strict access control to prevent unauthorised entry or potential threats.
This development comes amid escalating tensions among BLOs, who have expressed concerns about excessive workloads and stress associated with the SIR process. Reports of health issues, burnout, and even fatalities among officers performing the revision work have heightened the urgency for corrective measures.
Political representatives, including members of the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), have raised these concerns with the ECI, emphasising the need for improved staff welfare. In response, the Election Commission of India has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that only eligible Indian citizens are included in the electoral rolls and that all complaints or discrepancies must be officially documented and verified.
The relocation and security overhaul also serve to prevent any intimidation or interference with the officers’ work, highlighting the ECI’s commitment to conducting fair and impartial electoral processes. Authorities have been instructed to treat both the current and new offices as sensitive locations, ensuring that all personnel, especially those commuting to and from work, are fully protected.
The move has broader implications for the administration of elections in West Bengal. By relocating the CEO’s office and enhancing security, the Election Commission of India aims to restore confidence among officers, prevent potential disruptions in the electoral roll revision, and reinforce public trust in the democratic process. The proactive measures demonstrate the Commission’s ability to respond decisively to emergent threats and underscore the importance of staff safety in maintaining the integrity of elections.
In conclusion, the Election Commission of India’s action to relocate the West Bengal CEO office underscores the challenges faced in managing elections under high-pressure and politically sensitive conditions. With the office now moved to a secure location, security measures strengthened, and senior oversight deployed, the West Bengal electoral machinery can continue its work efficiently.
This move is a significant step towards ensuring that election officers can perform their duties safely, the integrity of the voter lists is maintained, and public confidence in the electoral system remains intact, even amidst difficult circumstances.
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Author: Team BTP
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