Following the recent unrest during Suvendu Adhikari’s nomination filing in Bhawanipore, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal has called an emergency meeting today. The virtual meet will involve Returning Officers and Observers from North and South Kolkata to ensure a peaceful nomination process and strict vigilance.

Key Directives: The CEO is expected to question why active cash seizure operations have been sluggish in Kolkata. Furthermore, a stern order has been issued to withdraw government security from individuals with criminal records or those out on bail. A detailed status report on these actions must be submitted by the State Police Nodal Officer by 12 PM today.

District Reviews Begin: CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal is set to personally monitor poll preparedness by visiting districts starting this week. He will begin his tour with East and West Midnapore, meeting DMs and SPs. While Special Observer Subrata Gupta has already initiated review meetings, the CEO’s direct involvement signals a zero-tolerance policy toward any security lapses in the upcoming phases.