The EC had ordered transfer of eight officials of the state administration including five superintendents of police, one district magistrate and two additional district magistrates. However, the chief minister had refused to carry out the instructions, accusing the Commission to play into the hands of the ruling Congress party at the Centre.
“I challenge the Election Commission to remove anybody while I am in charge.” She had said Monday in a public meeting, adding “how can the Election Commission transfer and name new officers without consulting the state government?”
“You will only listen to the Congress to make them win, BJP win. You will have to take my resignation. I will not remove a single officer, not while I am Chief Minister. Do what you like,” a furious Mamata reacted.
Sources suggest the Election Commission is considering to cancel the polls if the orders to transfer the officials are not implemented. Polls will begin in five phases in West Bengal from April 17.
