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The BJP has repeatedly claimed that several of those appointed as Booth Level Officers are affiliated with the ruling TMC
The Election Commission had earlier issued clear instructions stating that no casual or contractual workers should be appointed as BLOs if permanent employees were available in the district. (File pic/PTI)
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought detailed reports from all District Magistrates across West Bengal regarding the recruitment process of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in their respective districts.
According to sources, the move comes after the Commission received an unusually high number of complaints—nearly 4,500—alleging irregularities in the appointment of BLOs. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has repeatedly raised concerns on this issue, claiming that several of those appointed as Booth Level Officers are affiliated with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The Election Commission had earlier issued clear instructions stating that no casual or contractual workers should be appointed as BLOs if permanent employees were available in the district. However, sources indicate that despite this directive, instances of casual workers being appointed have continued in certain areas.
This time, the Commission has issued strict orders reiterating that only permanent employees should be engaged as BLOs in districts where such personnel are available. Despite this, reports have surfaced suggesting that casual workers have been recruited in some places. With the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process scheduled to begin shortly, the Commission aims to review and streamline the entire system before it starts. In light of the large number of complaints received, all District Magistrates have been asked to submit their respective reports by October 8.
Speaking to News18, BJP leader Tapas Roy alleged that the recruitment process has been politically influenced. “They have actually placed Bangladeshis here. Many BLOs recruited are TMC workers. We have provided all details to the Election Commission. Nearly 4,500 complaints have been submitted—you can understand the scale of the problem. They want to create hurdles in the SIR process, but let me make it clear—we will not allow the elections to proceed if this continues,” Roy said.
Earlier, the Election Commission had sought reports from a few districts where the number of complaints was significantly high. However, the latest directive extends this requirement to all districts across Bengal, signalling the Commission’s seriousness about the issue.
An officer of the Election Commission told News18 that the role of Booth Level Officers is crucial during both the Summary Revision process and the elections, making it imperative that this team remains “transparent, neutral, and reliable”.
The Commission, sources said, has already expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of some BLOs and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), taking corrective action based on prior complaints. The ECI has also instructed that if any district faces a shortage of government staff, the District Electoral Officer must inform the Commission before engaging any casual worker.
Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East…Read More
Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East… Read More
October 04, 2025, 22:57 IST
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