While no specific reason has been mentioned for the removal, the EC in a notification has asked the West Bengal government to suggest the names of three officers as probable replacements for Mukesh by 5 pm on Monday. The Commission will appoint one person out of the suggested names.

Reacting to the EC’s move, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said that the poll body should take responsibility if a riot broke out in the area.

“Even today, just based on the BJP’s instructions, the DIG of Murshidabad was changed. Now, if there are riots in Murshidabad and Malda, the responsibility will lie with the EC… deliberately officers are changed… to trigger violence. If there is even one riot, the EC will be responsible as they are looking after law and order here,” said Banerjee in Alipurduar.

“If I can fast for farmers for 26 days, I can go on a hunger strike for 55 days outside your office as well. I know how to fight. I am not a coward. Remember this!” she added.

Since the schedule of the Lok Sabha polls was announced, the EC has removed West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar, and four ‘non-cadre’ district magistrates (DMs) – Purba Bardhaman DM Bidhan Chandra Roy, Purba Medinipur DM Tanvir Afzal, Birbhum DM Purnendu Kumar, and Jhargram DM Sunil Agarwala. The poll body has also removed two senior officers – Additional Chief Electoral Officer Amit Roy Chowdhury and Joint Chief Electoral Officer Rahul Nath – from poll management duties in West Bengal.

Voting for the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal will be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1.