ECI Removes Observer for two Ahmedabad Constituencies for Flaunting his Appointment on Social Media

NEW DELHI, Nov 18: The Election Commission of India has taken off from election duty in Gujarat of an Uttar Pradesh cadre IAS officer for flaunting on the social media his appointment as observer for two Assembly constituencies in Ahmedabad city—Bapunagar and Asarwa, official sources said on Friday.

The officer Abhishek Singh posted on Instagram and Twitter his photographs with the official car with a beacon and “Observer” written on the front and other staff members. “Joined as Observer for Gujarat elections,” the caption said.

Abhishek Singh had “used Instagram for sharing his posting/joining as General Observer and had used his official position as a publicity stunt”, the Election Commission’s order said. The officer, who calls himself Abhishek S IAS on social media, shared two photos on Instagram. In one, he stands next to an official car. Another post showed him with three more officials and an armed security man, all smiling at the camera.

Mr Singh appears to be active on social media and describes himself as a “public servant, actor, social entrepreneur and stubborn optimist.”

According to sources, the Election Commission had “taken a very serious view” of the officer’s Insta post and so, he “has been relieved immediately of his duties as General Observer and has been debarred from any election related duty till further orders.” The officer was ordered to leave the constituency immediately and report to his parent cadre. All government facilities provided to him in Gujarat were also taken away, including the car featured in his posts.

Mr Singh has been replaced by Krishan Bajpai, another IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer. Gujarat will vote on December 1 and 5 and the results will be declared on December 8.

(Manas Dasgupta)