Is a Trinamool Office Bearer Illegally Included in the BLOs List?
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Synopsis
The West Bengal CEO is investigating claims of political favoritism in the booth-level officers' list. With serious implications for the electoral process, this matter raises questions about the integrity of the BLO selection. Is the electoral system being compromised by political affiliations?
Key Takeaways
- Allegations of political favoritism in the BLOs selection process.
- Concerns raised by the Leader of the Opposition regarding the integrity of elections.
- Calls for an investigation into the inclusion of politically affiliated individuals.
- The importance of adhering to ECI guidelines in electoral appointments.
- Historical context of controversies surrounding the BLOs selection in West Bengal.
Kolkata, Oct 26 (NationPress) The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal has requested a report concerning the purported inclusion of a Trinamool Congress office bearer in the booth-level officers (BLOs) roster for the Diamond Harbour Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district.
According to sources within the CEO's office, the inquiry was prompted by Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, who raised concerns with the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the listing of ruling party officials as BLOs, specifically citing the situation in Diamond Harbour.
Adhikari pointed out that the individual in question, Md. Alauddin Molla, is listed as a BLO for Diamond Harbour. Notably, he also serves as one of the area presidents for the ruling party, while his wife, Liala Bibi, holds an elected position as a panchayat member from block number two in Diamond Harbour.
Following Adhikari's remarks on Saturday, CEO Agarwal requested a comprehensive report from the district magistrate of South 24 Parganas, who also serves as the District Election Officer.
Adhikari warned that if individuals with political ties remain on the BLOs' list, there is a significant risk that they could potentially “manipulate” the electoral process.
The selection process for BLOs in West Bengal has faced criticism since its inception. Initially, there were allegations that contractual state government employees and para-teachers were appointed as BLOs, disregarding the ECI's requirement that only permanent state government employees and permanent teachers associated with state-run schools be considered.
Furthermore, irregularities have been reported concerning the selection of electoral registration officers (EROs). The commission stipulates that only West Bengal Civil Service (WBCS) officers at the ranks of sub-divisional officers, sub-divisional magistrates, or rural development officers should be chosen as EROs; however, there are claims that officers below these ranks were included.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the ongoing scrutiny regarding the electoral processes in West Bengal. The allegations raised by the opposition highlight the need for transparency and adherence to electoral guidelines. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity in our democratic systems.
NationPress
26/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the investigation by the West Bengal CEO?
The investigation was prompted by allegations from the Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, regarding the inclusion of a politically affiliated individual in the BLOs list.
Who is Md. Alauddin Molla?
Md. Alauddin Molla is identified as a booth-level officer for the Diamond Harbour constituency and is also an area president of the Trinamool Congress.
What are the concerns related to the BLOs selection process?
Concerns have been raised about the inclusion of politically affiliated individuals and the bypassing of ECI mandates regarding the selection criteria for BLOs.
What is the role of the Election Commission of India in this matter?
The Election Commission of India oversees the electoral processes and has the authority to investigate and address any irregularities reported by political leaders.
How has the public reacted to these allegations?
Public response has been mixed, with calls for greater transparency in the electoral process and concerns about the potential manipulation of elections.
