Bengal SIR: Is the CEO's Office Requesting ECI's Approval for Increased Hearing Session Assistance?
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Synopsis
In an effort to manage the increasing number of voters during election hearings, the CEO's office in West Bengal is seeking permission from the ECI to allow AEROs to assist EROs. This comes amid protests and a request for CAPF deployment for security.
Key Takeaways
- Request for ECI Approval: CEO's office seeks ECI's permission for AEROs' involvement in voter hearings.
- Security Concerns: Request for CAPF deployment highlights ongoing protests and security issues.
- Final Voters' List: Announcement set for February 14, crucial for upcoming elections.
- Electoral Management: Proactive measures being taken amidst rising voter engagement.
- Political Implications: The situation reflects significant political activity in West Bengal.
Kolkata, Dec 19 (NationPress) The office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal has formally requested the Election Commission of India (ECI) for permission to engage assistant electoral registration officers (AEROs) to aid the electoral registration officers (EROs) during the hearing sessions that address claims and objections regarding the draft voters’ list published on December 16.
Originally, it was planned that 10 EROs would manage the hearing sessions across each of the 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal. However, sources within the CEO’s office indicated that the large number of voters expected to attend the hearings has led to considerations for allowing AEROs to assist the EROs.
“Should we receive authorization from the ECI’s headquarters in New Delhi, the hearing sessions would be conducted by the 10 EROs with the support of 10 AEROs,” said an insider from the CEO’s office.
Simultaneously, the Commission has approached the Union Home Ministry to deploy Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) for securing the CEO’s office in central Kolkata immediately.
According to the ECI’s plan, the deployment of the CAPF will remain in place until the model code of conduct is activated in the state, following the announcement of dates for the upcoming Assembly elections.
The final voters’ list is expected to be revealed on February 14 next year, after which the dates for the Assembly elections will be disclosed.
This request for the deployment of CAPF comes amid ongoing protests by members of a Trinamool Congress-backed group of booth-level officers (BLOs) outside the CEO’s office each day.
With the protests sometimes escalating, insiders noted that the ECI is dissatisfied with the response of state police to manage the protests, prompting the call for CAPF to ensure security at the CEO’s office, which has been forwarded to the Union Home Ministry.
Point of View
The CEO's office in West Bengal is taking necessary steps to ensure a smooth electoral process amidst rising tensions. The involvement of AEROs and CAPF indicates a proactive approach to handling large-scale voter engagement and maintaining order as the state prepares for crucial elections.
NationPress
20/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the CEO's request to the ECI?
The CEO's office is requesting permission to allow AEROs to assist EROs during voter hearing sessions to better manage the large number of voters.
What has prompted the need for CAPF deployment?
Ongoing protests by booth-level officers have led to concerns about security, prompting the CEO's office to request CAPF deployment.
When will the final voters' list be announced?
The final voters' list is scheduled to be announced on February 14 next year.
How many EROs will handle the hearing sessions?
Initially, 10 EROs were planned to manage the hearing sessions for each of the 294 Assembly constituencies.
What is the significance of the upcoming Assembly elections?
The Assembly elections are crucial for the political landscape of West Bengal, and the smooth conduct of voter registration is vital for democracy.
