Haryana Government Transfers 101 Officers Before Assembly Polls, Controversy Ensues

The Haryana government has enacted a significant reshuffle, transferring 21 IAS, 12 IPS, and 68 state civil and police services officers. This move coincided with the Election Commission's announcement of the Haryana assembly election date. The Model Code of Conduct is now in effect in the state. Official sources claim the transfers were made before the election schedule was declared.

Opposition Criticism

Opposition parties have criticised the BJP government, accusing it of violating the poll code. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Haryana unit senior vice-president Anurag Dhanda expressed his concerns on X, stating, "The BJP government in Haryana is openly flouting the election code of conduct. How did the government transfer 86 officers even after the announcement of elections?" He questioned whether the Election Commission should remain silent on this issue.

Dhanda further alleged that the BJP's actions indicate a loss of public support. He suggested that the joining times of all transferred officers should be scrutinised. "Any joining after the announcement of elections is not valid," he claimed.

Key Transfers Among IAS Officers

Among those transferred is Vivek Bharti, who was Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Citizen Resources Information Officer in Sirsa. Bharti has been appointed as Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kaithal, replacing Prashant Panwar. Additionally, Jainder Singh Chhilar, previously Additional DC-cum-District Citizen Resources Information Officer in Charkhi Dadri, has been posted as District Municipal Commissioner in Panipat.

Changes in IPS Officers

Significant changes have also been made among IPS officers. Lokender Singh, formerly Superintendent of Police (SP)-Security at CID Headquarters in Panchkula, will now serve as SP of Panipat, taking over from Ajit Singh Shekhawat. Shekhawat has been reassigned to Lokender Singh's previous position at CID Headquarters.

Rakesh Kumar Arya, who was Commissioner of Police in Faridabad, has been transferred to serve as Inspector General of Police (IGP) Law and Order for Haryana. Narendra Bijarniya, previously SP at Special Task Force-II headquarters and Deputy Commissioner of Police Crime in Gurugram, will now be SP of Bhiwani.

Further Transfers

Varun Singla, who was SP of Bhiwani, has been moved to Kurukshetra as SP. He replaces Jashandeep Singh Randhawa, who is currently on central deputation to CBI. The government also issued transfer orders for 65 Haryana Civil Services officers and three Haryana Police Service officers.

The assembly polls in Haryana are scheduled for October 1, with results expected on October 4. The timing of these transfers has sparked controversy and debate among political parties and officials alike.