Kolkata: “The Election Commission has asked the West Bengal government to submit a panel of three officials for appointment as returning officer (RO) in the Bhabanipur Assembly seat after the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) objected to the posting of an officer who, the party alleged, is close to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari,” an official said.

Bhabanipur is the constituency of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, where Mr. Adhikari is set to challenge her in the upcoming polls.

Surajit Roy, the BDO of Nandigram, was earlier appointed as the RO for the high-profile seat, triggering protests from the Trinamool Congress, which alleged that he was “close” to Mr. Adhikari and could influence the poll process.

Following the complaint lodged by the ruling party, the poll panel wrote to Chief Secretary Dushmanta Narial, seeking a panel of three suitable officers for consideration. – PTI