Tripura’s ruling BJP, alleging poll irregularities, has demanded immediate removal of chief electoral officer (CEO) Sriram Taranikanti.

A delegation, led by defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman, submitted a memorandum in this regard to chief election commissioner Sunil Arora in New Delhi on Thursday.

The memorandum, which was released to the media on Friday, alleged that Taranikanti had sent a WhatsApp message to all returning and assistant returning officers, asking them to facilitate voters and workers of a particular party in gross violation of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the model code of conduct and other relevant and applicable electoral laws.

The memorandum also alleged that the returning officer of Tripura West Lok Sabha constituency, Sandeep Namdeo Mahatme was removed following the chief electoral officer’s recommendation.

“The returning officer of Tripura West, whom the CEO recommended for replacement, has submitted a representation to chief secretary L.K. Gupta against ‘misconduct’ of the CEO. The CEO transgressed his authority with impunity and without any consideration of electoral laws, rules and practices.”

Mahatme was removed from election duty on Thursday amid allegations of widespread violence under his watch.

The memorandum claims that the Tripura Civil Service Association has also submitted a representation to the chief secretary against the behaviour and conduct of the CEO. It also shows concern over the number of showcase notices served and FIRs filed at the instruction of the CEO.

The BJP has demanded immediate removal of the CEO for “overall interest of the state” and “good governance”.

Reacting to the BJP’s allegations, state Congress vice-president Tapas Dey said on Friday, “The leak of sensitive documents from the chief secretary’s office to a political party raises questions on the integrity of the office.”

CPM Lok Sabha candidate Jitendra Chaudhury told reporters that the CEO’s decisions while attending duty could not be treated as his faults.