March 16, 2026 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the transfer of senior officials in the West Bengal government following the announcement of the Assembly election schedule in the state. In a letter issued by the Commission, it said the decision was taken after reviewing the preparedness for the upcoming elections to the Legislative Assembly.

According to the directive, Dushyant Nariala has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of West Bengal, replacing Nandini Chakraborty. Sanghamitra Ghosh has been posted as Principal Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs, Government of West Bengal.

Sujeet Kumar Mishra, Secretary of the Election Commission, said the orders must be implemented immediately. The state government has been asked to submit a compliance report confirming the joining of the transferred officers by 3 PM today.

The Commission also stated that officers who have been transferred out should not be assigned to any election-related posts until the completion of the Assembly elections.