File photo of Mamata Banerjee.
Mamata Banerjee is furious at the Election Commission for ordering the transfer of officials in her West Bengal ahead of polling in the state for the general election. "I challenge the Election Commission to remove anybody while I am in charge," the Chief Minister declared today.
Five Superintendents of Police, one district magistrate and two additional district magistrates are among the officials who are to be transferred.
"How can the Election Commission transfer and name new officers without consulting the state government?" asked Ms Banerjee.
"You will only listen to the Congress...to make the Congress win, BJP win. You will have to take my resignation. I will not remove a single officer, not while I am Chief Minister. Do what you like."
In Delhi, the Election Commission did not respond to questions on Ms Banerjee's challenge, saying it would come out with a press statement if needed.
West Bengal begins polling from April 17 in five phases.
The Election Commission has not reacted so far. But what happens next is the big question. If Ms Banerjee refuses to pass orders transferring the officials, what can the Election Commission do? The Opposition is worried that the Chief Minister may use the face-off with the Election Commission to her advantage.