Nagpur: The Election Commission (EC) has expressed its displeasure with the Maharashtra government and police for failing to comply with instructions to transfer key officials, including those posted in Nagpur, ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. With polls scheduled for November, the delay in the transfer of officers has raised concerns over election preparedness in the state.

On July 31, the EC had directed the Maharashtra government and police to transfer officials who were either posted in their home districts or had served in the same location for three or more years. Among these, key IAS and IPS officers, along with inspectors from Nagpur, were due for transfer but remain in their positions.

The Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) were instructed to submit action-taken reports by August 20. However, despite reminders sent on August 22, September 11, and September 25, the EC has yet to receive a complete report. While the Additional DGP submitted a partial report, no communication has been received from the Chief Secretary, according to an EC letter addressed to the official on Friday.

The issue was discussed during the EC’s two-day review of election preparations in Mumbai, which began on Friday. The review was attended by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu. The CEC reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over the state's failure to adhere to its directives in a timely manner.

The Maharashtra Assembly’s term is set to end on November 26, with elections expected to take place before that. The EC has previously decided not to hold the Maharashtra Assembly elections alongside those in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, citing logistical reasons.