During assembly elections, sub-divisional officers (SDOs), deputy development commissioners (DDCs) and ADMs have to function as returning officers (ROs).

Sources said recently Integrated Children Development Scheme (ICDS) director Sujata Chaturvedi had declined the offer of Nalanda DM post. It was the EC who had offered her job.

Chaturvedi is understood to have written to the state government as well as the EC declining the offer. On the other hand, incumbent Nalanda DM R S Paswan has sought the state government's help in putting his case before the EC which had recently ordered his removal from the post.

He has also sought permission from the government to move the court for redressal of his grievances.

Similarly only last month, Muzaffarpur DM S K Mishra had offered to shift out from the district. Mishra's application was finally rejected by the state government.

With some DMs like those of khagaria, Sheohar, Nalanda and Jehanabad who failed to complete the task of preparing voters' photo identity cards had to face the wrath of the EC.

While some of these officials are said to have genuine problems, others are said to be "cooking"things up simply to avoid election duty.

In some cases officials are reluctant to take up job of DM in view of the intense political pressure that goes with it during elections.

"It is increasingly difficult to satisfy the whims of politicians and their trantrums. And on the other hand, one has to face the wrath of EC,"said a young IAS officer.