EC appoints retired IPS officer N K Mishra as special observer for Bengal Assembly polls

The Election Commission of India has appointed retired IPS officer N K Mishra as Special Observer for West Bengal ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The move comes at a crucial time when the state is undergoing a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls , a key exercise before the polls.

The Commission said the appointment was made under Article 324 of the Constitution of India and Section 13CC of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. As Special Observer, Mishra will oversee the voter list revision process and monitor overall poll preparedness . He will make periodic visits to the state and submit inputs directly to the Commission. The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal has been directed to provide full coordination and protocol support.

A 1988 batch IPS officer of the Sikkim cadre , Mishra has over three decades of experience in policing and internal security. He previously served as Director General of Police of Sikkim , heading the state police force and overseeing law and order responsibilities. Before that, he was on central deputation in the Intelligence Bureau, where he rose to the rank of Special Director , one of the top positions in the country’s internal intelligence structure.

Significantly, there are no widely reported controversies associated with his tenure. His service record has largely remained administrative and security focused, without major public disputes or disciplinary issues.

The Commission has also directed that he must not issue any appreciation letters or commendations to election officials during his tenure. If he believes any official deserves recognition, he must send a proposal with detailed reasons to the Commission. The instruction underscores the emphasis on neutrality and institutional discipline during the election process.

With political stakes high in West Bengal, the appointment of a senior officer with deep security and intelligence experience is expected to strengthen oversight and reinforce confidence in the conduct of the 2026 Assembly elections.