Booth-level officers (BLOs) in West Bengal are increasingly caught in the crossfire between the Election Commission (EC) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, as the process of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls intensifies across the state.
According to sources quoted in the media, nearly 600 BLOs have received show-cause notices from the Election Commission after they expressed unwillingness or inability to perform poll-related duties. Many have cited personal or health reasons, but insiders suggest that the ongoing tension between the state and the EC has made these officials anxious about their safety and political neutrality.
BLOs cite ‘Personal reasons’ but fear political fallout
BLOs, who are responsible for verifying voter lists and conducting door-to-door checks, play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. However, many of them, working under the state administration, now find themselves under conflicting pressures.
Bhaskar Ghosh, convener of the Sangrami Joutha Mancha, a union representing government employees, told media, “Many BLOs have cited personal reasons in their letters to the EC. But it’s evident that the ongoing tussle between the Commission and the state government has left them in a difficult position. Most of these officers work directly under the state administration and are afraid of being caught in political crossfire.”
Ghosh added that the situation has created uncertainty and low morale among lower-level government staff tasked with implementing central poll directives while reporting to a state government that remains openly hostile to the EC’s moves.
EC defends show-cause notices, calls BLOs ‘Essential to SIR’
Sources within the Election Commission defended the issuance of show-cause notices, stressing that a “substantial number of BLOs” are indispensable for the SIR process, which ensures that voter lists remain accurate and updated.
An EC official familiar with the matter was quoted in media saying, “We understand the challenges, but the SIR exercise cannot be compromised. Booth-level officers are crucial for verifying voter identities, detecting duplications, and ensuring the credibility of electoral rolls. Hence, the Commission had no option but to seek written explanations from those unwilling to participate.”
Officials also confirmed that training sessions and field verifications have already begun across districts, and any shortage of manpower could delay the completion of the SIR before the upcoming elections.
TMC alleges EC acting as ‘BJP’s Tool’
The controversy has quickly taken on a political hue, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) accusing the Election Commission of acting under pressure from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Senior TMC leader Jayprakash Majumdar told the media, “No one wants to do anything wrong. People know that this Election Commission has become synonymous with the BJP. BLOs fear being forced into wrongdoing, and that’s why they are reluctant. The EC should stop behaving like a political agency.”
The TMC has repeatedly claimed that the EC’s actions, ranging from transfers of administrative officers to strict surveillance during previous polls, are politically motivated and aimed at undermining the state government.
BJP counters, accuses TMC of intimidating BLOs
The BJP, however, hit back, accusing the ruling TMC of threatening and intimidating booth-level officers to disrupt the voter revision process.
State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya dismissed TMC’s allegations and said the ground reality was quite the opposite.
“From the Chief Minister to her ministers and local TMC leaders, everyone is intimidating BLOs during the SIR process. They are nervous because they are being watched and warned by ruling party workers. I am confident the Election Commission will ensure their safety and conduct a free, fair revision,” he said.
BJP sources alleged that TMC functionaries in some districts were discouraging BLOs from visiting certain areas or interacting with voters believed to support opposition parties.
SIR exercise faces disruptions across districts
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, which includes door-to-door verification, correction of voter data, and removal of duplicate or deceased voters, requires a massive human resource network. With hundreds of BLOs expressing reluctance, officials fear disruptions in meeting deadlines.
Election Commission insiders confirmed that district-level review meetings are being held regularly to assess progress and address logistical gaps. The Commission is also in touch with the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to ensure compliance with EC directives.
However, the atmosphere on the ground remains tense. Many BLOs have informally told their unions that they feel “politically unsafe” in executing assignments that could later invite scrutiny from either side.
For now, the Election Commission insists the SIR will continue on schedule, but on the ground, the atmosphere remains charged, with BLOs fearing that ‘Booth Bangla’ has turned into a battleground.
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