Two top poll panel officials test Covid +ve

Chief election commissioner Sushil Chandra and election commissioner Rajiv Kumar have both tested positive for Covid-19, as the bitterly fought elections in West Bengal continue, people familiar with the matter said on Monday.

The post of the third commissioner has been vacant since April 13, when former CEC Sunil Arora, who is also Covid positive, demitted office. People familiar with the matter said that other senior officials, such as some deputy election commissioners, also contracted the virus and all those who have tested positive are in quarantine. Despite all odds, the EC is constantly in touch with all required officials via video call to ensure the smooth conduct of the remaining three phases of the West Bengal elections, said the people cited above. HT on April 9 reported that in the politically fraught battle in Bengal, the EC received over 19,000 complaints, of which only 99 remained to be resolved as of April 8. The high stakes political battle has had various party leaders knocking on the EC’s door to intervene in cases of violation of poll code.