EC orders transfer of home secretaries in 6 states, West Bengal DGP and BMC Commissioner

Election commission on Monday, March 18, issued an order to transfer home secretaries of six states namely Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The EC also directed the shunting out of West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar, and BMC commissioner Iqbal Chahal and few other officers. Election Commission had ordered transfer of the officials who have completed three years at their posting or are posted at their home stations.

Maharashtra government approached the ECI last months and sought an extension for BMC commissioner Iqbal Chahal. The state government said, in its plea, that Chahal was crucial for the monsoon preparedness which is ongoing under his supervision. State government also mentioned that Chahal is not connected with the elections so he should be given an extension. ECI rejected Maharashtra government's appeal and said that commissioner and additional commissioners are also covered in the transfer policy.

Sources from Iqbal Chahal’s team told CNBC-TV18 that Chahal's office hasn't received an official communication about the transfer yet. Sources told CNBC-TV18 that Chahal is still trying to get an extension and will write to EC.