‘Wife BJP neta’: Malda observer removed over ‘clout’ charges
Times of India | 29 March 2026
Kolkata: Acting on TMC allegations, EC has replaced the police observer for four Malda constituencies — Manikchak, Mothabari, Sujapur, and Baishnabnagar.
After EC had appointed Jayant Kant as police observer for these constituencies, TMC alleged that Kant's wife was a BJP neta in Bihar, raising questions about his ability to function impartially.
On Saturday, the EC announced that IPS officer Hriday Kant would take over as the new police observer for the four constituencies.
The commission has also replaced five more police observers. New police observers have been appointed for Jangipur, Raghunathganj and Sagardighi.
Police observers in Kharagpur Sadar, Pingla, Kharagpur and Debra have also been replaced.