Following the recent Durga Puja festivities, the Central Election Commission (CEC) has ramped up its efforts in Bengal to prepare for the special intensive revision of the voter list. Deputy Election Commissioners Dnyanesh Bharti and Seema Khanna are scheduled to arrive in Kolkata to oversee this important process. On October 8, they will conduct a video conference with election officials to ensure that everything is on track. Additionally, the Commission has requested a detailed report from District Magistrates regarding any potential violations of procedures in the appointment of booth level officers (BLOs). The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised concerns about irregularities in these appointments as well.
State Bureau, Jagran, Kolkata. The Central Election Commission is intensifying its preparations for the final phase of the special intensive revision (SIR) of the voter list in West Bengal. Sub-Election Commissioner Dnyanesh Bharti, along with his colleague Seema Khanna, is expected to visit Kolkata on Tuesday to assess the situation firsthand.
Sources within the Commission have indicated that Bharti and Khanna will convene a significant meeting via video conference with all state election officials on October 8. Attendance has been mandated for all district election officers and Election Registration Officers (EROs) to ensure comprehensive participation and discussion.
Commission Requests Reports from District Magistrates
The Election Commission has officially requested reports from District Magistrates and District Election Officers concerning any infractions in the appointment of booth level officers (BLOs).
Verification of the BLO Appointment Process
Allegations have surfaced suggesting that numerous appointments for these positions were made in lieu of existing permanent government employees. The Commission has instructed all District Magistrates to thoroughly verify the appointment process for BLOs at each voting booth.
Concerns have already been raised regarding the appointment of approximately 4,500 BLOs. The BJP has also voiced allegations that the established rules were not adhered to during this appointment process, calling for greater scrutiny and transparency.
