What Preparations is the ECI Team Reviewing in Kolkata?
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Synopsis
A crucial meeting in Kolkata will see the Election Commission of India reviewing the readiness for Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal. Concerns over irregularities in BLO recruitment will also be discussed, making this a significant event for electoral transparency and integrity.
Key Takeaways
- The ECI team is reviewing electoral preparedness in Kolkata.
- Concerns over BLO recruitment irregularities are at the forefront.
- The meeting will last approximately three hours.
- North Bengal officials are excused due to crisis management efforts.
- A subsequent virtual meeting is planned for North Bengal electoral officers.
Kolkata, Oct 8 (NationPress) A delegation from the Election Commission of India (ECI), headed by Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti, is set to assess the readiness for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal this Wednesday at the Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office.
Key topics on the agenda will include concerns over alleged extensive irregularities in the appointment of booth-level officers (BLOs) in specific districts, alongside discussions on district-wise Assembly constituency mapping.
The issues surrounding the selection of BLOs have garnered significant attention, particularly following accusations that contractual state government employees were improperly designated as BLOs for approximately 2,000 booths in various districts without the necessary approval from the CEO’s office, thereby breaching ECI regulations regarding BLO appointments.
The meeting is anticipated to span about three hours, with the central ECI team arriving in Kolkata on Tuesday night.
Chaired by Bharti, the meeting will also include ECI’s Director General of Information Technology, Seema Khanna, along with other senior officials from the Commission, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, the CEO of West Bengal, and key officials from the CEO’s office, as well as senior electoral officials from various districts.
However, District Magistrates (who also serve as District Electoral Officers) and their subordinate electoral officers from the North Bengal region have been excused from attending due to their commitments to relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts in the wake of the ongoing crisis caused by heavy rainfall and landslides affecting the hills, Terai, and Dooars regions.
A separate virtual meeting will be scheduled with the electoral officers from North Bengal later in the month, once conditions improve.
Later that same day, during the afternoon session, Bharti and the rest of the central ECI team will conduct a virtual meeting with the District Magistrates (District Electoral Officers and their subordinate officers).
On Thursday morning, the central ECI team plans to visit Kolaghat in the East Midnapore district, where another meeting with the electoral officers will take place.
Point of View
It is imperative that the ECI takes robust measures to ensure transparency and adherence to regulations in electoral processes. This meeting marks a crucial step in addressing concerns over BLO appointments in West Bengal, reflecting our commitment to uphold democratic values and electoral integrity.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the ECI team's visit to Kolkata?
The ECI team's visit aims to assess the preparedness for Special Intensive Revision and address concerns regarding irregularities in the selection of booth-level officers in West Bengal.
Who is leading the ECI team in Kolkata?
The team is led by Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti.
What issues are being discussed in the meeting?
Key issues include allegations of irregularities in BLO recruitment and district-wise Assembly constituency mapping.
Why are the District Magistrates from North Bengal exempt from the meeting?
They are exempt due to their involvement in relief and rehabilitation efforts following severe rainfall and landslides affecting the area.
When will the virtual meeting with North Bengal electoral officers take place?
A separate virtual meeting will be scheduled later in the month once the situation improves.
