8 BLOs show-caused, 5 FIRs aga

Political

8 BLOs show-caused, 5 FIRs against BLAs in Bengal

Eight Booth Level Officers have been issued show cause notices by the Election Commission of India and the ECI also had filed FIRs against five Booth Level Agents assigned by the political parties for alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls in West Bengal.

The action came following complaints that several BLOs were distributing enumeration forms from specific locations such as schools and party offices instead of conducting the mandatory door-to-door visits.

According to the Commission sources, FIRs have been lodged against five BLAs, who were allegedly pressurising BLOs to hand over enumeration forms in the names of deceased voters.

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal informed on Saturday that the Commission would not hesitate to initiate FIRs against any BLO found deliberately tampering with forms or working under the influence of BLAs representing particular political parties.

District Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) have issued show-cause notices to BLOs from districts, including Cooch Behar and North 24-Parganas, after receiving multiple complaints of irregular distribution.

Earlier, the Commission had warned that disciplinary action would be taken against officers failing to follow its door-to-door directive, and the latest show cause reflects that warning being enforced.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Saturday launched a dedicated helpline number — 033-22310850 — for citizens to lodge complaints against BLOs allegedly indulging in partisan behaviour.

Officials said any BLO named in such complaints would first be questioned and cautioned, and if found repeating the offence, a departmental inquiry could be ordered.