The Election Commission of India has issued a stern warning against poll-related violence in West Bengal. During a crucial review meeting, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar directed police observers to ensure the immediate arrest of history-sheeters and goons who have a track record of triggering unrest. Drawing lessons from the recent incident in Malda’s Mothabari, the CEC empowered observers to summon Central Paramilitary Forces within a 30-minute window if law and order is compromised.

The meeting, however, took a dramatic turn when the CEC engaged in a heated exchange with a senior observer from Cooch Behar. Dissatisfied with the officer’s lack of information regarding polling stations, a furious Gyanesh Kumar reportedly told him, “Go back to your home, leave the room.” Refusing to back down, the veteran officer countered, “You cannot treat me like this. I have given 25 years to this service.” While the CEC was momentary silenced by the bold retort, sources within the Commission revealed that the senior official was subsequently ordered to be removed from his post. This display of institutional aggression highlights the Commission’s unwavering yet controversial stance on maintaining an iron grip over the upcoming elections.