Bengal BLO protests: Central forces to guard state CEO’s office; Union govt approves Election Commission
Kolkata: Booth Level Officers (BLOs) under the banner of ‘BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee’ stage a protest over alleged excessive workload during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, outside Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office, in Kolkata. (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Central armed forces will be deployed at the office of the West Bengal chief electoral officer (CEO) in Kolkata and will assume responsibility for its security on Friday, an official said.Also Read: BLOs march to CEO office, protest ‘inhuman’ SIR stressThe Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the Election Commission’s (EC) proposal in this regard, the official added.“Central forces personnel will take charge of security on the second and third floors of the CEO’s office from Friday morning. They will also accompany officials of the CEO’s office when they travel outside the premises in government vehicles,” he told news agency PTI.The decision follows repeated protests by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) outside the CEO’s office during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Demonstrators have staged sit-ins and raised concerns over the security of the premises.Also Read: Bengal BLOs break barricades outside Kolkata CEO office as BJP delegation arrivesTensions escalated after several BLOs died during the exercise, with the families of the deceased and leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleging that a number of the deaths were linked to work pressure arising from SIR duties.The West Bengal assembly elections will be held in April-May next year.EC issues show-cause notice to voterMeanwhile, the EC on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to a voter after the individual’s name was found to be registered in two assembly constituencies—Shyampukur in Kolkata Uttar and Ashoknagar in North 24 Parganas—during draft roll verification.At one location, the voter personally signed the enumeration form, while at the other, the form was signed by another person.An official explained that such duplication could be linked to a change of address, but the notice was issued to establish the facts. “The objective is to seek the voter’s explanation and also examine the role of the BLO and other concerned officials,” the official added.Also Read: TMC miffed after 58 lakh names removed; set to carry out door-to-door scrutinyAccording to another official, the move forms part of “increased scrutiny” of the ongoing SIR exercise, aimed at strengthening oversight and addressing any procedural or administrative lapses.
