Patna, Feb. 16 -- Bihar Minister of Health Mangal Pandey reacted to the Election Commission of India's (ECI) decision to suspend seven officials in West Bengal, alleging that they were acting under political influence instead of adhering to poll guidelines.

Speaking to the reporters here, Pandey said, "Certainly, the officials of the West Bengal government appear to be working more as officials of Mamata Banerjee and the TMC. This is a signal and a message to those officials who, instead of following the Election Commission's directives, follow the orders and instructions of the TMC, Abhishek, and Mamata Banerjee."

He asserted that elections must be conducted in a fair and transparent manner to maintain public confidence.

"Elections sh...