The Election Commission (EC) has suspended a sector assistant for the Panihati Assembly constituency following allegations that he helped prepare campaign materials for the BJP.
The action against the official, Atanu Chakraborty, was triggered by a social media post featuring a video clip that purportedly showed him helping to prepare BJP campaign materials.
The video was highlighted by TMC candidate Kunal Ghosh, who posted it online just hours before the ECI’s intervention.
Chakraborty is an assistant teacher at Choudhurypara Prathamik Vidyalaya.
According to a notification issued by the returning officer, Chakraborty’s alleged close association with a political party and his participation in campaigning constitute a “serious violation” of the Representation of the People Act 1951. Authorities said such actions represent a gross dereliction of duty and compromise the impartiality required of election personnel.
Besides being immediately relieved of his responsibilities as a sector assistant, Chakraborty has been suspended and served a show-cause notice, requiring him to explain within 24 hours why further penal action should not be initiated against him.
During the suspension period, he is prohibited from leaving his headquarters without prior permission and must remain available for the ongoing inquiry.
“This action has been taken in the interest of maintaining the integrity, neutrality, and transparency of the electoral process and to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections,” the notification stated.
The Panihati constituency has emerged as a key battleground in the 2026 West Bengal elections, primarily due to the BJP’s decision to field the mother of the victim of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder. She has framed her campaign as a quest for justice for her daughter, vowing to challenge the ruling TMC on its record regarding institutional accountability and the handling of the 2024 protests over the incident.
The TMC has nominated Tirthankar Ghosh, son of the outgoing MLA and veteran leader Nirmal Ghosh, aiming to retain its stronghold.
The CPM has fielded Kalatan Dasgupta, seeking to reclaim the Left’s traditional influence in this industrial belt.