Mamata government buckles, follows Election Commission order on transfer

Kolkata: Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government today buckled and finally transferred seven officials in the state as directed by the Election Commission and replaced them with those chosen by the panel.

Though the Trinamool Congress chief was initially against complying with the order, she relented after the commission yesterday rejected a face-saver formula suggested by her government, making it clear that it must transfer the officials by 10 am on Wednesday.  (Elections: full coverage)

The commission had said it wanted the officials transferred to ensure free and fair elections in the state as it had received complaints of bias against them.

On Monday, a furious Ms Banerjee had challenged the order and argued that the panel could not transfer officers and name new ones without consulting her government.  "I challenge the Election Commission to remove anybody while I am in charge," she said and added, "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."

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A day later, the West Bengal government appeared to climb down, agreeing to the transfer, but seeking that the officials be replaced with those chosen by the government.  The commission however refused the formula.

Ending the stand-off on Tuesday evening, Ms Banerjee agreed to follow the order, but added that "I don't disrespect the Election Commission but they are playing political games."

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West Bengal begins polling from April 17 in five phases.