Why Former Kolkata Police Chief Supratim Sarkar Must Serve as Observer in Tamil Nadu Elections

The Election Commission of India has mandated Supratim Sarkar, the former Kolkata Police Commissioner, to serve as a central observer in Tamil Nadu's upcoming elections. Despite his request for exemption on medical grounds, the Commission has directed him to oversee five constituencies in Tirunelveli district. This decision comes amid ongoing political tensions, particularly from the BJP, which has called for Sarkar's removal from West Bengal during the polling period to prevent any undue influence on the election process. The two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal are set for April 23 and April 29, with results to be declared on May 4. Read on to learn more about the implications of this directive.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 6, 2026, 11:12 IST

Election Commission's Directive for Sarkar

Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has turned down the request from Supratim Sarkar, the former Kolkata Police Commissioner and current Additional Director General (ADG) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in West Bengal, to be excused from his role as a central observer for the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu.

The ECI has instructed Sarkar to serve as the police observer for five Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu, specifically Tirunelveli, Ambasamudram, Palayamkottai, Nanguneri, and Radhapuram, all located within the Tirunelveli district, according to sources within the Commission.

On April 4, the Commission had previously announced Sarkar's deployment as a police observer in Tamil Nadu. However, he quickly filed a plea for exemption from this duty, citing medical reasons.

With the Commission's recent decision to deny his request, Sarkar is now required to report to Tamil Nadu by Monday.

Just prior to the announcement of polling dates for West Bengal, Sarkar was appointed as the Kolkata Police Commissioner by the Mamata Banerjee-led government, succeeding Manoj Kumar Verma.

However, following the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, the Commission removed him from this position and prohibited him from participating in any election-related activities in West Bengal. Ajay Nana has taken over his responsibilities as directed by the ECI.

Despite this, opposition parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have consistently called for Sarkar's removal from the state during the election period.

The BJP argues that unless Sarkar is reassigned outside the state during the polling, he and other police officials may attempt to sway the election process in favor of the ruling Trinamool Congress while remaining in their positions within the state's police force.

The two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal are scheduled for April 23 and April 29. The first phase will cover 152 Assembly constituencies, while the second phase will include the remaining 142 seats. Election results will be announced on May 4.