More pre-poll transfers: ECI orders reshuffle of 83 BDOs/AROs ahead of Bengal assembly elections
The Statesman | 30 March 2026
The Election Commission of India today ordered the transfer of 83 Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) in poll-bound West Bengal, as part of its ongoing measures to ensure free and fair Assembly elections next month.
According to an official communication sent to Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala through the office of the State Chief Electoral Officer, the reshuffle covers officials across multiple districts.
Key changes have been made in the politically significant Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district. The constituency is currently represented by Suvendu Adhikari, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly. Adhikari is contesting this election from Nandigram as well as from the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, where he is up against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress.
East Midnapore recorded the highest number of transfers, with 14 officials moved. Other districts affected include South 24 Parganas (11), North 24 Parganas and East Burdwan (seven each), and Malda and Birbhum (six each). Also, four BDOs/AROs have been transferred in Jalpaiguri district, three in Cooch Behar district, five in Nadia district, four each in Murshidabad and Hooghly, two in West Midnapore, six in Birbhum, four in Bankura, three in Purulia, and one each in North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Howrah, and West Burdwan districts.
The latest reshuffle is part of a phased administrative overhaul by the poll panel since the election schedule was announced. Earlier rounds saw the transfer of senior officials, including top bureaucrats and police officers like the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary, and Director Generals, and Deputy Commissioners in police administration. This was followed by changes at the district level. The current phase targets grassroots-level officials such as BDOs and AROs.
The Assembly elections in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.