India, Oct. 27 -- Hinting at assembly polls 'early next year', the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday directed Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to transfer certain categories of officers directly involved in election-related work ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls.

The directive comes after the poll body recently ordered a Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls in 17 states, including the five poll-bound states, and indicated that Assembly polls there could be held early next year. It is usual for the poll body to order transfers ahead of Lok Sabha and assembly elections to ensure fair play. In a communication, the ECI said officers posted in their home districts, those who have completed three years in a...