New Delhi, Oct 19 (NationPress) Expressing grave concerns over purported intimidation and electoral misconduct, Swapan Mondal, a Booth Level Officer (BLO) and General Secretary of Votekormi Oikyo Mancha, stated on Sunday that BLOs in multiple areas of West Bengal are operating under persistent threats from supporters aligned with the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

In a candid interview with IANS, Mondal highlighted that the State Intensive Revision (SIR) process is about to commence, with a majority of the foundational work, including voter mapping, already completed by the BLOs.

However, he accused that during field assessments, numerous BLOs faced threats and were approached with bribes by individuals associated with the TMC, who were coercing them to integrate illegal voter names into the updated electoral lists.

"We have reported these issues to the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and the Additional CEO. We have explicitly requested security measures, including the deployment of paramilitary forces, to ensure BLOs can perform their responsibilities without intimidation," he declared.

Reflecting on Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee's victory from Diamond Harbour during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Mondal asserted that the result did not signify a genuine mandate.

He alleged that on election day, voters were obstructed from accessing polling booths, and those who tried to cast their votes were reportedly repelled by groups associated with Abhishek Vahini (referring to Banerjee's supporters).

"BLOs do not play a role in the election process, but polling staff were silenced, and voters were intimidated. The victory margin was artificially engineered because the opposition in West Bengal was denied the opportunity to vote," he explained.

He also pointed out a person named Jahangir, whom he accused of orchestrating coercive tactics against voters.

Despite submitting a list of around 20-25 alleged 'anti-national elements' to the election authorities, Mondal noted that no arrests were made.

"Even the paramilitary forces stood by without intervening," he claimed.

Mondal remarked that the then Chief Electoral Officer, Ariz Aftab, had been repeatedly informed of the circumstances but failed to take action.

"Democracy has been rendered meaningless. We now look to the Election Commission of India to guarantee an environment where democracy can genuinely thrive," he concluded.