Did Bengal LoP Call for ECI Intervention Over BLOs at Trinamool Event?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- LoP Suvendu Adhikari calls for ECI intervention.
- BLOs seen participating in a Trinamool Congress event.
- Concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.
- Adhikari requests immediate action against biased officials.
- Potential implications for upcoming elections.
Kolkata, Oct 16 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has appealed to the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding an incident where booth level officers (BLOs) were seen on stage at a political event of the Trinamool Congress in Kharagpur, located in the West Midnapore district.
LoP Adhikari also posted a video on his official X account, showcasing the introduction of these BLOs at the Trinamool Congress event.
However, the authenticity of the video could not be verified by IANS.
Adhikari pointed out that the BLOs involved were from the 224 Kharagpur Sadar constituency in West Midnapore.
During the event, they were introduced by Trinamool Congress leader Debasish Chowdhury.
“This is nothing short of a direct assault on the principles of free and fair elections,” Adhikari asserted.
He identified eight BLOs along with their respective booth numbers while raising the issue with the ECI.
“These officers, all school teachers, have the crucial responsibility of ensuring fairness at the grassroots level, yet they are mingling with TMC leaders in broad daylight! This suggests an institutional bias, where the very protectors of democracy become puppets under Mamata Banerjee's autocratic rule. How can we anticipate fair elections when BLOs are publicly siding with the ruling party, potentially manipulating voter lists, intimidating Opposition workers, and skewing the electoral landscape in TMC's favor?” Adhikari expressed on his official X post.
He has urged the ECI to promptly address this issue and take strict action against these BLOs.
“These biased officers should be immediately suspended and prohibited from any involvement in the upcoming elections. A comprehensive investigation is essential to uncover the extent of TMC's infiltration into the electoral system. Inaction will only encourage such corrupt practices and undermine public trust in our democratic institutions,” Adhikari claimed.