Election Commission shuffles top bureaucrats in Chhattisgarh to ensure fair elections

Raipur In a significant move, the Election Commission of India has transferred two District Collectors and three Superintendents of Police (SPs) from any involvement in election activities, citing concerns about potential influence on voters in favor of a specific party. The officials who have been transferred include District Collectors Sanjeev Jha from Bilaspur and Taran Prakash Sinha from Raigarh.

This move is seen as a preventive measure to ensure the fairness and integrity of the upcoming elections in Chhattisgarh. The Election Commission also took action against three SPs who held key positions. Shalabh Sinha from Durg, Abhishek Meena from Rajnandgaon, and Uday Kiran from Korba have all been transferred. It is notable that Durg, the home district of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Home Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu, is among the districts affected. Additionally, two Additional SPs, Sanjay Dhruv from Durg and Abhishek Maheshwari from Bilaspur, have been immediately reassigned. For the appointment of new officials, the Election Commission has requested a panel of three eligible candidates from the Chief Secretary of the Chhattisgarh government. This meticulous approach aims to ensure that capable and impartial officers take on these critical responsibilities. These decisions come in the wake of written complaints by the BJP, submitted to the Election Commission a few days ago when the full bench convened. The complaints targeted several officers from various districts, going beyond just the Collectors and SPs. In a parallel development, the Election Commission has also relieved Manoj Soni, the Special Secretary of the Food Department, of all his responsibilities. Notably, Manoj Soni had additional responsibilities related to Markfed and NAFED, alongside his role as the Special Secretary for Food and Civil Supplies and MD for NNAC. The Election Commission’s directive mandates that Manoj Soni immediately relinquish all of his roles. To fill this vacancy, a panel of three eligible officials will be nominated. The primary reason behind this removal, as stated in the Election Commission’s order, is Manoj Soni’s perceived lack of interest in election duties and his alleged involvement in political party promotion. These actions by the Election Commission aim to maintain the sanctity of the electoral process and guarantee free and fair elections in Chhattisgarh.