Mamata Banerjee ‘reminds' officials they work for the State not ECI
Speaking at an administrative meeting in Birbhum district, Ms. Banerjee expressed her displeasure that a meeting of BLOs (Booth Level Officers) was conducted by the ECI without keeping her or the Chief Secretary in the loop.
'Remember, only after an election notification is issued does it [the State machinery] come under the Election Commission. Before that it [State machinery] is under the State Government, and after the election it returns to the control of the State Government. Remember, you work under the State government,' the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister's remarks assume significance since they come as the Election Commission of India is conducting a special intensive revision (SIR) of the voters' list in Bihar. Accusing the ECI of working at the behest of the BJP, the Trinamool Congress leadership has said that it will not allow any such exercise in West Bengal. Assembly polls in West Bengal are scheduled for 2026.
Blatant interference
Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari said the Chief Minister's remarks are nothing short of a blatant attempt to interfere in the democratic process and undermine the sanctity of free and fair elections.
'By openly reminding BLOs that they are 'State Government Employees' and warning them against following the ECI's directives, she is indirectly threatening those responsible for ensuring a transparent electoral process,' he added.
On July 26, the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, organised a divisional level training session and meeting with election officials in Kolkata. The training session was organised for Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), supervisors and BLOs of several Assembly constituencies.
The Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal remained non-committal on when a SIR may be notified for the State and said it was 'not in his jurisdiction.' 'If the SIR happens, the ECI will notify. Whether a SIR will happen, when it will happen, and when it will be declared — these are not in my jurisdiction,' Mr. Agarwal said.
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