Are DMs in Bengal Pressuring BLOs to Share Official OTPs? Suvendu Adhikari Claims Unethical Practices
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Synopsis
In a shocking revelation, Suvendu Adhikari claims that district magistrates are pressuring booth-level officers to share OTPs for unethical voter list manipulations, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in West Bengal. This situation points to deeper political interference that could undermine democratic practices.
Key Takeaways
- Suvendu Adhikari alleges unethical pressure on BLOs.
- District magistrates acting as political agents.
- Manipulation of the electoral roll via BLO App.
- Threats to BLOs include job repercussions.
- Mamata Banerjee raises concerns about the SIR.
Kolkata, Nov 20 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, made serious allegations on Thursday, asserting that the strain on booth-level officers (BLOs) is not due to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) workload, as claimed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, but rather because district magistrates—who double as district electoral officers (DEOs)—are compelling them into unethical conduct during the voter list revision process.
Adhikari's statement came shortly after reports emerged indicating that the Chief Minister had contacted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to request an immediate suspension of the SIR initiative to ease the burden on BLOs. Responding to this, Adhikari contended that the actual pressure on BLOs was a result of political meddling.
In his statement, the opposition leader alleged that in districts such as East Midnapore, Hooghly, and East Burdwan, district magistrates and DEOs were functioning as active agents for the Trinamool Congress by pressuring BLOs to share official OTPs with either the district magistrates or ruling party representatives acting as data entry operators.
According to Adhikari, this unethical coercion aimed to misuse the BLO App to manipulate the voter list that is currently undergoing cleansing via the SIR process.
“The BLO App, intended for verifying voter lists, is being misappropriated by Mamata Banerjee’s Administration to include fraudulent voters and eliminate legitimate ones, thereby distorting the electoral roll,” he stated.
Furthermore, Adhikari claimed that by exerting this unethical pressure, district magistrates were also intimidating BLOs with potential repercussions such as transfers, suspensions, and salary reductions.
Earlier in the day, Mamata Banerjee had communicated with the Chief Election Commissioner, raising objections against the SIR, arguing that the manner in which the process is being enforced upon electoral officials and citizens is “unplanned,” “chaotic,” and “dangerous.”
“I have consistently raised my serious concerns regarding the ongoing SIR and the manner in which it is being imposed on the public,” she expressed.
Point of View
The recent allegations made by Suvendu Adhikari highlight the pressing need for transparency and integrity within electoral processes. The reported pressure on booth-level officers raises serious concerns about how political dynamics can influence democratic mechanisms. As we continue to monitor developments in West Bengal, it is crucial for all stakeholders to uphold the principles of fair elections and protect the rights of voters.
NationPress
20/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations made by Suvendu Adhikari?
Suvendu Adhikari alleges that district magistrates are pressuring booth-level officers to share official OTPs, leading to unethical practices during the voter list revision.
Who is Mamata Banerjee?
Mamata Banerjee is the Chief Minister of West Bengal and the leader of the Trinamool Congress party.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process aimed at updating and cleansing the electoral voter list.
What are the consequences for BLOs mentioned by Adhikari?
Adhikari claims that BLOs face threats of transfers, suspensions, and salary cuts if they do not comply with the pressure from district magistrates.
Why is the integrity of the electoral process important?
The integrity of the electoral process is vital to ensure fair representation, uphold democracy, and maintain public trust in governmental institutions.
