Jamshedpur BJP leader challenges COs transfers, demands probe

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Oct 17: BJP leader Ankit Anand has raised strong objections to the recent transfer of Circle Officers (COs) in Jharkhand, alleging political interference ahead of the state assembly elections. In a letter to the Central Election Commissioner and the State Election Commission, Anand claimed that these transfers were orchestrated to provide an electoral advantage to the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress.

According to Anand, the transfer orders issued by the state government on 7 October 2024 are highly suspicious. He highlighted the case of Jamshedpur CO Manoj Kumar, who was transferred but later reinstated at his previous post due to what Anand described as political pressure. Anand pointed out that similar politically motivated transfers have taken place over the last few weeks, with 14 Circle Officers (COs) being transferred within 11 days.

Ankit Anand urged the Election Commission to immediately review and cancel these transfers, calling it an election strategy by the ruling JMM-Congress-RJD alliance to manipulate the electoral process by placing their favoured officials in key positions. He stressed that such moves undermine the fairness of the upcoming elections and demanded urgent action to ensure an impartial electoral process.

In response, the Election Commission has taken swift notice of the complaint. The matter has been forwarded to the State Election Commission for a preliminary investigation, and the issue has now become a focal point in the political landscape of Jharkhand. Opposition BJP workers have accused the state government of trying to rig the elections and are closely watching the Commission’s next move.