The Election Commission has begun a focused voter list revision drive across West Bengal, with BLOs hitting the streets on November 4 to distribute and collect enumeration forms.
While the process is being conducted both offline and online, reports from several districts suggest that some BLOs were found operating from political party camps instead of visiting homes. In some cases, BLOs allegedly distributed forms from a single location, rather than conducting the mandated door-to-door exercise.
ALSO READ| Abhishek Banerjee sets up special team to aid families affected by SIR panic deaths in Bengal
FIRs against 5 BLAs, notices to 8 BLOs for voter list interference
The Election Commission on Saturday confirmed that eight BLOs have been issued show-cause notices, while FIRs have been filed against five BLAs for interfering in the voter list work.
The Commission further warned that any BLO found deliberately destroying enumeration forms or colluding with political party agents will face criminal proceedings.
“Complaints received at the control room will be verified directly by questioning the concerned BLOs,” an official statement read. The accused officers will also face departmental inquiries once initial questioning is complete.
Election Commission cracks down on partisan BLOs
The Election Commission has made it clear that any sign of “partisan behaviour” from BLOs will not be tolerated. Citizens have been urged to report such incidents directly to the Commission. To facilitate this, a helpline number, 033-22310850, has been activated for complaints.
The Commission will also initiate an awareness campaign in the media, starting Monday, to dispel suspicions about the Summary Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
Meanwhile, a team from the Election Commission of India recently visited North Bengal to inspect the ongoing SIR work.
