Are BLOs in Bengal Being Pressured to Manipulate Voter Lists?
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Synopsis
A troubling allegation surfaces as the United Platform for Booth Level Officers claims coercion in Bengal's voter list updates. With pressures mounting for illegal registrations, how will the integrity of the electoral process be maintained? This situation raises significant questions about transparency and accountability in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision exercise.
Key Takeaways
- BLOs claim they face undue pressure to add names to the voter list.
- Manipulation of parental identities is allegedly occurring in the registration process.
- The integrity of the electoral process is at stake if these allegations are true.
- A petition has been submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal.
- Transparency and accountability in the electoral process are essential.
Kolkata, Nov 23 (NationPress) The United Platform for Booth Level Officers (BLO) has raised concerns on Sunday, claiming that some BLOs have been subjected to pressure from various entities to unlawfully add individuals' names to Bengal's electoral roll during the current Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in the state.
Swapan Mondal, the General Secretary of BLO Oikko Mancha (United Platform for BLOs), indicated that there are instances of administrative pressure related to data entry and the urgency of submitting enumeration forms.
Yet, he mentioned that an even greater pressure exists, compelling the inclusion of names in the voters' list based on “inaccurate information” regarding parental identities. Mondal stated, “Different forms of pressure are being exerted on BLOs. Recently, I received a call from Malda district, where I learned that several individuals are registering simultaneously by presenting one person as their father or grandmother. One individual’s name is being misused as the father or grandfather for multiple registrants. This indicates a collusion to unlawfully add such individuals to the voters' list, for which BLOs face undue pressure.”
He accused these registrants of lacking a direct connection to the person whose name appeared on the 2002 voters' list, which was the last time the SIR for Bengal's electoral rolls was conducted.
“BLOs are being coerced to complete their forms in this manner under significant duress. They are hesitant to speak out due to fear. If this trend continues, how can we expect to create an accurate voter list?” Mondal questioned.
Nonetheless, he refrained from naming any specific political party or leaders believed to be applying this pressure on the BLOs.
He revealed that a petition addressing these issues has already been submitted to the office of West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal.
Point of View
We stand firmly behind the reporting of any pressure faced by electoral officials. The credibility of the voting process is paramount, and any challenge to it should be addressed with urgency and transparency. The allegations made by the BLOs must be thoroughly investigated to ensure the sanctity of our democratic system.
NationPress
23/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against BLOs in Bengal?
BLOs allege they are being pressured to unlawfully include names in the voter list during the Special Intensive Revision process.
Who is Swapan Mondal?
Swapan Mondal is the General Secretary of the United Platform for Booth Level Officers (BLO Oikko Mancha).
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The SIR is an exercise conducted to update and maintain the accuracy of electoral rolls.
What is the significance of electoral roll integrity?
Maintaining an accurate electoral roll is crucial for ensuring fair and legitimate elections.
What actions have been taken regarding these allegations?
A deputation has been submitted to the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer to address these concerns.
