The letter, sources said, assumed significance as it came soon after chief minister Mamata Banerjee's appearance in the Bengal SIR hearing in the Supreme Court. Fifth, Nabanna did not appoint SDO/SDM-ranked officers as returning officers in most Assembly segments despite repeated requests from Nirvachan Sadan. Now, it has sent the letter to justify its decision to appoint micro-observers," said an official. Highly placed sources said it was clear from the letter that the EC would flag the state's "uncooperative attitude" in the next hearing. "Now, it remains to be seen if the state deputes officers of SDO/SDM rank in each Assembly segment as EROs and returning officers.

Source: The Telegraph February 05, 2026 04:32 UTC