Ignoring Mamata Banerjee, Election Commission insists on transferring eight officials in West Bengal

The Election Commission remains undaunted with its order to transfer eight officials in West Bengal, despite chief minister Mamata Banerjee's refusal to comply.

But rejecting a face-saver formula suggested by the Mamata Banerjee government, the EC has insisted on the transfer of officials by 10 am on Wednesday, April 9. It has also directed that they be replaced with those chosen by its panel. 

Following complaints of bias from opposition parties, the Election Commission ordered transfer of five Superintendents of Police, one district Magistrate and two additional district magistrates in West Bengal.

However, a defiant Mamata Banerjee had refused to comply by the Election Commission's orders and challenged EC to take any action against her and said that she was “ready to face any consequences”.

"How can the Election Commission transfer and name new officers without consulting the state government?" Banerjee asked. "You will only listen to the Congress...to make the Congress win, BJP win. You will have to take my resignation. I will not remove anybody," she said

Election Commission has indicated cancelling or postponing elections in parts of West Bengal if the state government does not comply with its order.

West Bengal begins polling from April 17 in five phases.