NK Mishra Appointed Special Observer for Bengal Elections

Mr Mishra earlier served as the Sikkim director general of police following a stint in the Intelligence Bureau. His assignment came hours after the EC summoned Bengal chief secretary Nandini Chakravorty to New Delhi to explain non-compliance of its orders related to the SIR.

In the appointment letter to Mr Mishra, the EC stated, “As a Special Observer, you will oversee that the process of Special Intensive Revision is strictly as per the directions of the Commission issued from time to time.

You will be required to visit West Bengal from time to time to observe the on-going Special Intensive Revision of electoral roll, poll preparedness and the conduct of forthcoming General Election to the legislative assembly of West Bengal, 2026 and give your inputs to the Commission for necessary action.”

It added, “You are requested to visit the State in coordination with CEO, West Bengal. All necessary material, facilitation, protocol etc. in this regard will be provided by the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal…You are also directed that no appreciation letter of any kind will be issued by you to the Electoral Registration Officer or to any other election related official while you are working as Special Observer of the Election Commission of India or even later on in the same capacity. If you are of the view that any election related official needs to be appreciated, then you should send a proposal to Election Commission giving full reasons.”