The Election Commission of India 5 SSP Transfers in Assam, Appoints Special Observer Ahead of 2026 Assembly Elections
Election Commission Drops notice on 5 Bold SSP Transfers before Assam Polls
The Election Commission of India has intensified preparations for the Assam Legislative Assembly Election 2026 by ordering the immediate transfer and posting of five Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) in sensitive districts and appointing a Special Observer to monitor the electoral process.
In an official communication to the Assam Chief Secretary on Monday, March 16, 2026, the poll body directed that the postings take effect immediately, with a compliance report on the officers’ joining to be submitted by March 17. The transfers are part of efforts to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections across all 126 Assembly constituencies.
The officers reassigned include:
- Somalin Shubhdarshini (IPS) as SSP, Majuli
- R Shoutal Kumar (IPS) as SSP, South Salmara
- Anchal Chauhan (IPS) as SSP, Sadiya
- Sudhakar Singh (IPS) as SSP, Chirang
- Mohan Lal Meena (IPS) as SSP, Dhemaji
The Commission has strictly instructed that officers transferred out of their previous roles must not be assigned any election-related duties until the completion of the polls.
In a parallel move, The Election Commission of India appointed retired IAS officer Manjeet Singh as Special Observer for the Assam elections. His responsibilities include periodic visits to the state to evaluate poll preparedness, monitor election conduct, and provide timely inputs to the Commission for corrective actions. The Special Observer will work closely with the Chief Electoral Officer of Assam, who will extend full logistical and administrative support.
The ECI has also emphasized the strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which came into effect following the election announcement. The MCC applies to both the state government and the Central Government concerning policy announcements, decisions, and actions impacting the poll-bound state.
Key guidelines under the MCC include:
- Respecting citizens’ privacy during campaigning
- Prohibition on demonstrations or picketing outside private residences
- No use of land, buildings, or walls for flags, banners, or posters without the owner’s explicit consent
The Assam Assembly elections will be conducted in a single phase on April 9, 2026, with vote counting scheduled for May 4, 2026. This high-stakes contest pits the incumbent BJP-led NDA government, headed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, against the opposition Indian National Congress, which aims to reclaim power.
In the 2021 elections, the NDA alliance (BJP, AGP, and UPPL) secured 75 seats, with the BJP winning 60. Voter turnout reached approximately 86.2%, with over 2.2 crore registered voters.
These latest measures by The Election Commission of India underscore its commitment to ensuring impartiality, security, and transparency in the lead-up to the 2026 polls in Assam. Stay tuned for more updates on election preparations, candidate lists, and campaign developments.
