EC Suspends BDO Over Violence at Poll Training in Nadia

The Election Commission of India (EC) on Tuesday ordered the suspension of a Block Development Officer (BDO) in West Bengal’s Nadia district and directed the initiation of departmental proceedings against him following violence at a poll training venue.

The incident occurred on March 27 during a training programme for presiding and polling officers at a school in the Hanskhali block, where a teacher sustained head injuries. An FIR has been registered at the Ranaghat police station.

In its communication to the state authorities, the EC observed that Sayantan Bhattacharyya, a WBCS (Executive) officer and BDO of Hanskhali, who was in overall charge of the training, failed to maintain standard protocols in discharging his election duties.

“The incident, resulting from lack of seriousness on the part of the officer-in-charge, has put a taint on the EC’s efforts to ensure a free, fair and transparent election environment ,” the Commission said.

The EC directed that the officer be placed under immediate suspension and that departmental proceedings be initiated. It also asked the state administration to comply with the directions and submit a report by 11 am on April 1.

The injured teacher, Saikat Chattopadhyay, was allegedly assaulted after he objected to the screening of a government advertisement during the session. According to participants, the advertisement featured Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and was displayed on a projector before the training began.

Chattopadhyay alleged that he questioned why such content was being shown despite the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) being in force , as it could amount to indirect political promotion. Under MCC norms, government publicity featuring political leaders is restricted to ensure neutrality and prevent any undue electoral advantage.

“I questioned the screening of the advertisement, after which I was physically assaulted and threatened,” he alleged.

The incident has raised concerns over adherence to election guidelines and the need to maintain strict administrative neutrality during poll-related activities.