EC cancels nomination of BJP Birbhum candidate and former IPS Debasish Dhar

Nomination of BJP Birbhum candidate and former IPS Debasish Dhar has been cancelled by Election Commission as West Bengal government reportedly did not give "no dues" certificate after his resignation. Dhar's name came up in connection with Sitalkuchi incident, when Dhar Coochebehar SP during polls.

Dhar said he will move High Court over cancellation of nomination issue.

"The state government has not given 'no due certificate'. There were no dues and thus the issue does not arise. We are moving High Court on the issue," Dhar said.


Sensing this, BJP has already finalized a new candidate and Debtanu Bhattacharya has filed nomination on the last day for Birbhum seat. Debtanu, though from Asansol was instrumental in building organizational network in Birbhum.

Asked if his candidature is cancelled, Dhar said he will campaign for the new candidate and work as a BJP worker.
Dhar, a 2010 IPS officer was promoted from the state cadre, was placed under suspension following the April 10, 2021 Sitalkuchi incident in Cooch Behar during assembly polls. He was sent on compulsory waiting following the incident.

Satabdi Roy is the sitting MP from Birbhum and she had won the seat for three consecutive terms from 2009.