KOLKATA: In a significant move ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer NK Mishra as Special Observer for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in the state.
The appointment was announced on Friday through an official directive issued by Under Secretary ML Meena. Mishra has been tasked with ensuring strict compliance with ECI’s guidelines on voter list revisions. His role involves rigorous oversight to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
As per the ECI directive, Mishra will conduct periodic visits to West Bengal to monitor the SIR process, preparations for polling, and overall readiness for the upcoming polls. He is expected to provide recommendations to the Commission for any necessary actions.
The directive emphasizes coordination with the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Manoj Kumar Agarwal, who will facilitate all logistical support, including travel, accommodations, and protocol arrangements during Mishra’s visits.
A key restriction in the order prohibits Mishra from issuing commendation letters to voter registration officers or other election officials, either during or after his tenure. Any proposals for appreciation must be submitted to the ECI with detailed justifications.
This appointment comes at a critical juncture. The extended deadline for hearings on claims and objections regarding the draft voter list concludes on Saturday. Scrutiny of documents submitted during these hearings will continue until February 21, with the final voter list scheduled for publication on February 28. This will mark the culmination of the voter list revision drive that began in December last year.
The ECI’s proactive step underscores its commitment to transparent and fair elections in West Bengal, a state that has witnessed intense political activity in recent years. Mishra’s extensive experience in law enforcement is expected to bolster efforts against electoral malpractices.
Stakeholders across the political spectrum have welcomed the move, viewing it as a safeguard for democratic processes. As West Bengal gears up for 2026, all eyes will be on how effectively these revisions translate into a robust voter registry.