A day after announcing the schedule for the 2026 Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India ordered key transfers of senior police officers in West Bengal. The poll body took this step after reviewing the state’s preparedness for the upcoming elections.
Officials said the changes aim to ensure smooth, fair, and violence-free polls.
New Postings for Senior Police Officers
Under the new order, Siddh Nath Gupta (IPS 1992) will serve as DG & IGP (In-charge) of West Bengal.
Meanwhile, Natarajan Ramesh Babu (IPS 1991) has been appointed Director General of Correctional Services.
At the same time, Ajay Mukund Ranade (IPS 1995) will take charge as ADG & IGP (Law & Order). He replaces Vinit Goyal, who has been removed from the post.
Earlier, Goyal served as the Commissioner of Kolkata Police during the RG Kar doctor rape and murder case. Due to widespread protests and public pressure, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had removed him from the position.
Furthermore, Ajay Kumar Nand (IPS 1996) has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Kolkata Police.
Immediate Implementation Ordered
The Election Commission directed that these transfers must take effect immediately. Authorities must submit a compliance report confirming that the officers have joined their new posts by 3:00 PM on March 16.
Additionally, the poll body stated that officers who have been transferred out will not receive any election-related responsibilities until the completion of the polls.
Election Commission Aims for Peaceful Polls
Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said the Commission reviewed poll preparedness before issuing the orders.
He emphasised that the steps aim to ensure peaceful and violence-free elections in the state.
“I am directed to state that the Commission has reviewed the poll preparedness for the General Election to Legislative Assembly of West Bengal, 2026 and directs the following:- i. Shri Siddh Nath Gupta, (IPS -1992) be posted as DG & IGP, Govt. of West Bengal (In-charge) ii. Shri Natarajan Ramesh Babu, (IPS -1991) be posted as DG, Correctional Services, Govt. of West Bengal iii. Shri Ajay Mukund Ranade, (IPS -1995) be posted as ADG & IGP (Law & Order), Govt. of West Bengal iv. Shri Ajay Kumar Nand, (IPS -1996) be posted as Commissioner, Kolkata Police. The directions of the Commission to be implemented with immediate effect and a compliance report in respect of joining of above officers be sent by 03:00 PM on 16.03.2026. Further, the officers transferred out shall not be posted in any election related posts till the completion of elections."
Bengal Elections to Take Place in Two Phases
The 2026 Assembly election in West Bengal will take place in two phases. First, voters will cast their ballots on April 23. Then, the second phase will occur on April 29.
Finally, the counting of votes will take place on May 4.
Administrative Changes Also Announced
Besides police reshuffles, the Election Commission also ordered several administrative transfers.
For instance, Dushyant Nariala, a 1993-batch IAS officer, will become the new Chief Secretary of West Bengal. He replaces Nandini Chakravorty, who assumed the role on December 31, 2025.
Similarly, the Commission removed Jagdish Prasad Meena (IAS 2004) from the post of Principal Secretary of Home and Hill Affairs.
Subsequently, Sanghamitra Ghosh (IAS 1997) will take over the position.
The Election Commission also ordered immediate implementation of these administrative changes. Officials must submit a compliance report confirming that the officers have joined their new posts by 3 PM on March 16.