In a major pre-election crackdown, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the immediate transfer of Joyenshi Prasad, the District Magistrate (DM) of Purba Medinipur. This high-profile reshuffle comes as a stern response to reports of involving contractual employees in crucial election-related duties, a move that violates the strict protocols set by the commission.

The ECI guidelines explicitly prohibit the deployment of temporary or contractual staff in sensitive election processes to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of the polls. According to sources, the commission took a grim view of the administrative lapse in Purba Medinipur and decided to replace the DM to ensure a free and fair electoral process.

Purba Medinipur has always been a politically volatile zone in West Bengal, making the administration’s role even more critical. The sudden removal of the DM is seen as a message to all district authorities that the commission will not tolerate any deviation from the standard operating procedures. As the state gears up for the polls, the appointment of a new DM is expected soon, aimed at restoring administrative neutrality in the district. This bold move underscores the ECI’s commitment to conducting an unbiased election across the state.