NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday wrote to chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, raising concern over what she described as two “disturbing yet urgent developments” connected to the upcoming elections in the state. She questioned a centralised Request for Proposal issued by the chief electoral officer (CEO) for outsourcing data personnel and objected to a proposal to set up polling stations inside private residential complexes. In the letter, Banerjee said, “I am constrained to write to you regarding two disturbing yet urgent developments that have been brought to my notice, and which, in my view, warrant your immediate intervention.” Her first objection relates to what she called a “questionable RfP issued by CEO, West Bengal”. “It has recently come to light that the CEO, West Bengal, has directed District Election Officers (DEOs) not to engage contractual data entry operators and Bangla Sahyata Kendra (BSK) staff for SIR-related or other – `election-related data work. Simultaneously, the CEO’s office has floated a Request for Proposal (RfP) for hiring 1,000 Data Entry Operators and 50 Software Developers for a period of one year. This raises serious concerns.” She argued that district offices already have enough qualified staff and are empowered to make their own arrangements. “When district offices already have a substantial number of competent professionals performing such functions, what necessitates the CEO’s initiative to outsource the same work through an external agency for a full year? Traditionally, field offices have always hired their own contractual data entry personnel as per requirement. If there is an urgent need, DEOs are fully empowered to undertake such hiring themselves. Why, then, is the CEO’s office assuming this role on behalf of field offices? What substantive difference is expected in the service conditions or contractual obligations between those already engaged and those to be hired through the proposed agency? Is this exercise being undertaken at the behest of a political party to serve vested interests? The timing and manner of this RfP certainly raise legitimate doubts.” On the second issue, Banerjee registered strong opposition to the idea of establishing polling stations inside private housing complexes. “It has further been brought to my attention that the Election Commission is considering setting up polling stations within private residential complexes, and DEOs have been asked to provide recommendations. This proposal is deeply problematic. Polling stations have always been-and must remain-located in government or semi-government institutions, preferably within a 2 km radius, to ensure accessibility and neutrality. Private buildings are typically avoided for clear reasons: they compromise faimess, violate established norms, and create discriminatory distinctions between privileged residents and the general public- the haves and have-nots. Why is such a move being contemplated at all? Again, is this being done under pressure’from a political party to advance their partisan. interests? Why? Why? Why?” Calling the implications far-reaching, she warned, “The implications of such a decision would have severe impact on the fairness of the electoral process.” Banerjee concluded by appealing for immediate action. “I urge you to examine these issues with utmost seriousness, impartiality, and transparency. It is essential that the dignity, neutrality, and credibility of the Commission remain above reproach and are not compromised under any circumstances.” Go to Source
