Is the ECI Cracking Down on BLAs and BLOs in Bengal Over Irregularities?
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Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has taken decisive action against booth-level officers in West Bengal for serious irregularities in the enumeration process. With over four crore forms already distributed, the commission's focus is on ensuring compliance and integrity within the electoral process as the Special Intensive Revision progresses.
Key Takeaways
- The ECI is actively addressing irregularities among booth-level officers.
- Showcause notices have been issued to ensure compliance with distribution regulations.
- Monitoring of BLO activities is a priority during the electoral roll revision process.
- Over four crore enumeration forms have been distributed in West Bengal.
- Voter participation is crucial for the integrity of the electoral process.
Kolkata, Nov 9 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India has initiated a serious crackdown on booth-level officers (BLOs) due to alleged significant irregularities and breaches of established norms concerning enumeration forms for the Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal.
Initially, sources from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, and the commission have filed FIRs against eight BLAs for reportedly interfering with the distribution of enumeration forms, unlawfully taking possession of the forms from BLOs, and redistributing them independently.
Simultaneously, the commission has issued showcause notices to eight BLOs who allegedly employed a shortcut method for distributing enumeration forms from a specific location, disregarding the commission's mandate for door-to-door distribution, as per sources in the CEO's office.
On Friday, the commission presented an ultimatum to the BLOs who resorted to these shortcut techniques for distributing enumeration forms.
Despite the ultimatum, reports indicated that these eight BLOs continued to follow the same shortcut methods, prompting the poll panel to issue show-cause notices to them.
According to commission sources, these eight BLOs are located in Cooch Behar, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas districts.
The commission has once more instructed the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) to closely monitor the activities of the BLOs during the revision process, ensuring adherence to ECI guidelines.
The commission reiterated its warning to BLOs against transferring the responsibility of enumeration forms to any third party, including relatives and friends, stating such actions would be considered a serious breach of conduct.
The ECI initiated the SIR in the state on Tuesday, with over four crore enumeration forms distributed by 8 p.m. on Saturday.
According to sources in the CEO's office, "Given the current progress, we anticipate completing the enumeration form distribution well before the end of this month."
The total number of electors in West Bengal as per the electoral roll dated October 27 stands at 7,66,37,529.
Voters whose names, or their parents' names, were included in the electoral rolls in 2002—the last time the SIR was conducted in West Bengal—must include their details in the enumeration forms and submit them.
These voters are not required to provide any additional supporting documents to retain their names on the electoral roll. The previous SIR in West Bengal occurred in 2002.
For voters whose names or their parents' names did not appear in the 2002 list, submission of one of the 11 specified documents by the Commission is necessary to retain their names on the voter list.
Point of View
The recent actions taken by the Election Commission of India highlight a commitment to maintaining electoral integrity. These measures are crucial for ensuring transparent and fair elections, reinforcing public trust in the democratic process.
NationPress
10/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against the BLOs?
The allegations include gross irregularities in the distribution of enumeration forms, taking possession of forms unlawfully, and failing to adhere to prescribed door-to-door distribution methods.
What actions has the Election Commission taken?
The Election Commission has filed FIRs against eight BLAs, issued showcause notices to eight BLOs, and directed rigorous monitoring of BLO activities during the revision process.
What is the Special Intensive Revision?
The Special Intensive Revision is a process initiated by the Election Commission to update and verify the electoral rolls, ensuring accurate representation of voters.
How many voters are expected to participate in the SIR?
As of October 27, the total number of electors in West Bengal stands at 7,66,37,529.
What do voters need to submit for the SIR?
Voters from the 2002 electoral rolls need to fill out enumeration forms without any supporting documents, while others must submit one of the 11 specified documents to retain their names.
