GUWAHATI: The election commission of India (ECI) has directed the transfer of Sonitpur SP Sushanta Biswa Sarma as part of its efforts to ensure impartial Lok Sabha elections in Assam.
Significantly, Sushanta Biswa Sarma, the Sonitpur SP, is the brother of Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Reportedly, the ECI opted to transfer the brother of the Assam chief minister as a proactive measure to allay any concerns of potential bias or perceived compromise in administration.
Additionally, the election commission has directed relocation of “non-cadre” district magistrates and superintendents of police in certain states.
The electoral body clarified that “non-cadre” district magistrates (DMs) and superintendents of police (SPs) have been reassigned since these positions are designated for Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) officers.
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This action precedes the commencement of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections scheduled to begin on April 19.
Previously, the election commission had instructed the removal of home secretaries in six states, who held dual roles in the offices of their respective chief ministers.
Additionally, it transferred the West Bengal director general of police (DGP) to a non-election-related position.
All state governments have been directed to promptly transfer “non-cadre” officers currently serving as DMs and SP/SSPs to new assignments and provide a compliance report to the election commission without delay.