EC Questions Maharashtra Chief Secy, DGP for Failing to Comply with Transfer Orders

New Delhi: Sending out a stern message, the Election Commission on Friday sought an explanation from the Maharashtra chief secretary and the state's police chief for failing to fully implement its orders on the transfer of officials ahead of the upcoming assembly polls.

In a strongly worded letter, the poll body said despite a directive issued on July 31 to relocate officials who had served in their home districts or current posting for over three years, the state administration had not completed the process.

Failure to Comply with Transfer Directives

According to the Election CommisElection Commission Rebukes Maharashtra for Delay in Transferring Key Officials Before Pollssion's (EC) mandate, the compliance report was due by August 31. While the additional director general of police submitted a partial report, the chief secretary was yet to provide a full response.

Sources noted that more than 100 inspector-level officers in Mumbai and revenue officials, many holding key positions in the state, had not been transferred as required.

EC Expresses Displeasure Over Non-Compliance

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has expressed his displeasure over the state administration's non-compliance, stating that the delay undermined efforts to ensure a free and fair electoral process.

The EC has made it clear that further inaction would not be tolerated.

Upcoming Elections Put Pressure on Compliance

The term of the current Maharashtra Assembly ends on November 26 and the election is likely to be held before that. The EC was currently in the state to review its preparedness for the polls. 

(With PTI inputs)