Is BJP Raising Concerns Over TMC-Linked BLO Appointments in Nandigram?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJP accuses TMC of bias in BLO appointments.
- Concerns raised about the impact on electoral rolls.
- Letter sent to CEO with demands for action.
- Upcoming elections heighten the urgency of these allegations.
- Political tensions rise in West Bengal.
Kolkata, Nov 2 (NationPress) The BJP has sent a formal communication to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress of appointing Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who are affiliated with their party in the Nandigram Assembly constituency located in East Midnapore district, as stated by a party representative on Sunday.
The party contends that supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress or their family members have been designated as BLOs to secure a strategic advantage in the upcoming 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
"Despite our previous alerts to the respective District Electoral Officers (DEOs) and your esteemed office, the troubling trend of improper BLO appointments persists. We are once again providing you with a list of these questionable appointments, where in most cases, the current BLO is either a TMC activist or directly related to one through marriage," the BJP stated in their letter to the CEO.
The BJP asserts that these appointments could significantly influence the current Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls being conducted by the Election Commission of West Bengal.
"As the enumeration phase of the SIR approaches, the ongoing issues regarding the improper appointment of BLOs threaten to undermine the entire process. With elections looming in the coming months, it will be impossible to rectify the biases introduced by BLOs who clearly have party affiliations," the BJP claimed.
In the letter, the party also included a list of names and pertinent details concerning their appointments, demanding their immediate removal to ensure the effective conduct of the SIR process in the state.
"We have attached complaints received from Nandigram and Ranaghat, along with evidence linking these BLOs to the TMC. We urge you to act promptly to dismiss these BLOs and to implement suitable actions against the responsible EROs and DEOs," the party urged.
The SIR of West Bengal's electoral rolls has emerged as a contentious issue between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP as the state gears up for the Assembly elections next year.