Election Commission orders removal of home secretaries in 6 states, also West Bengal police chief

New Delhi: Days after announcing the schedule for Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday issued orders for the removal of home secretaries in six states: Gujarat, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

The poll panel also ordered the removal of Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, along with additional commissioners and deputy commissioners.

Official sources said that the steps were taken to "maintain the integrity of the election machinery" and "ensure a level playing field" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

According to sources, the Election Commission has also ordered West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar to stay away from election work and asked the state government to send a panel of names of three police officers for appointment in his place.

The Commission has directed the West Bengal government to remove Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar from his present charge and appoint him for non-election duty.

Sources said the commission has also issued directions to the Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh governments to change the secretaries of their general administrative departments.

The poll body had on Saturday declared a seven-phase poll schedule for Lok Sabha polls starting on April 19, 2024.

The final round of voting would take place on June 1.