A day after the transfer of deputy commissioners of Hassan, Ramanagaram, and Haveri, Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sanjiv Kumar has asked the State government to withdraw its order on transfer of the DCs till final publication of electoral rolls on February 28.
Mr. Kumar dashed off a letter to Chief Secretary Ratna Prabha on Tuesday saying that “the transfer order issued by the government on January 22, 2018, cannot be given effect to as far as it relates to the transfer and posting of DCs. The said transfer orders can be given effect only after concurrence of the Election Commission of India.” It was “unfortunate” that the government was not acting on it despite the rules being brought to its notice, said the letter.
The CEO said as per the EC instructions, all officers involved in the electoral roll revision work — DCs, the roll observers, the electoral registration officers, and the assistant electoral registration officers — are deemed to be on deputation to the EC till February 28.
The transfer of Hassan Deputy Commissioner Rohini Sindhuri Dasari, in particular, kicked up a political storm with both the Opposition BJP and the JD(S) calling it vindictive and politically motivated just before the mega event of Mahamastakabhisheka at Shravanabelagola in Februrary. Two other DCs, B.R. Mamatha and M.V. Venkatesh, for Ramanagaram and Haveri respectively, were also transferred on Monday.
“The transfer of officers who are engaged in the electoral roll revision work, if any during any election year shall be implemented only after final publication of the electoral rolls, in consultation with the CEO concerned. In case of any need for transfer due to any extraordinary reasons, prior approval of the commission shall be taken,” Mr. Kumar said.
Till the issue is communicated to the EC, the CEO asked the government to put on hold its January 22 order. He also advised DCs not to leave the headquarters and handover the charge.
CM differs
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said transfer of officials is the government’s prerogative. “It is an administrative issue and the government need not give an explanation to others,” he said. He also said he had no information about EC staying the transfer, but added that the commission cannot stay the transfer of officials before the poll code of conduct kicks in.
