Suvendu alleges Mamata attempting to 'intimidate' poll officers, writes to EC seeking action
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Alleging that West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee was attempting to "intimidate" booth-level officers (BLOs), Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday urged the EC to take cognisance of the matter and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Adhikari alleged that Banerjee made public statements that constitute a "direct and unwarranted interference" in the duties of BLOS and the broader electoral framework overseen by the EC."In her recent remarks, Smt. Mamata Banerjee expressed displeasure over the training of approximately one thousand BLOs in Delhi, alleging that neither she nor the Chief Secretary were informed about this initiative," he claimed, referring to the CM's speech at a programme in Bolpur on Monday."She further reminded BLOs that they are employees of the State Government, implying that their allegiance lies with the State Administration rather than the ECI during the pre-election and post-election periods," he alleged.Adhikari claimed that the CM instructed the BLOs to ensure that no name is removed from the voters' list, which could be interpreted as an "attempt to influence the revision of electoral rolls for political motives".He said these statements are not only an affront to the autonomy and authority of the EC but also a veiled attempt to "intimidate and coerce" BLOs, who are tasked with ensuring the integrity of the voters' list and the electoral process."By asserting that BLOs are ultimately accountable to the State Government, the Chief Minister is undermining the independence of election officials and creating an environment of fear and pressure, which jeopardises the democratic process," he said, adding that such interference raises serious questions about the possibility of conducting free, fair, and transparent elections," he alleged.Adhikari urged the CEC to take suo motu cognisance of the statements and conduct a thorough inquiry to ascertain their intent and impact on the independence of BLOs and the electoral process.He also urged the EC to reinforce its authority, ensuring that BLOs and other officers can perform their responsibilities without fear of reprisal."Implement measures to prevent any manipulation of the voters' list and ensure that the revision process adheres strictly to ECI guidelines. If the statements are found to violate any election-related laws, initiate suitable action to uphold the rule of law and protect the democratic process," he said in the letter.The BJP leader said the people of West Bengal deserve elections that are free from coercion, manipulation, or external pressures."I trust that the Election Commission of India will take cognisance of this matter and act swiftly to ensure the integrity of the electoral process in West Bengal," he said.Addressing a press conference earlier, Adhikari alleged that large-scale irregularities have happened in the appointment of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in the state.He said that despite clear guidelines issued by the Election Commission, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and ASHA workers were being appointed as BLOs in the state, violating the norms."Three months ago, we flagged this to the EC, and an inquiry confirmed that at least 84 such appointments were made in violation of rules," he claimed.He claimed that the BJP has reviewed electoral rolls of two assembly constituencies, Baruipur Purba and Moyna, and found hundreds of suspicious entries."This is not just a clerical issue, it's a battle of intent," Adhikari said."Mamata Banerjee wants to retain these fake voters, the EC wants to delete them, and we want a defect-free electoral roll," he added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
37 minutes ago
- Indian Express
‘What's the difficulty in working on Sunday?': Calcutta HC to primary teachers opposing duties for SIR
The Calcutta High Court on Monday refused to interfere with the Election Commission's decision to appoint primary school teachers as Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal. Justice Amrita Sinha, hearing the petition, observed that there is no legal bar on engaging primary teachers for BLO duties. In her order, she stated: 'The activities of the BLO are to be carried out in such a way that their teaching profession will not be hampered. As on this date, it cannot be ascertained as to the nature of work assigned to the concerned officer. The case has been filed under apprehension. Duties assigned to officers shall be strictly under the Comprehensive Instructions regarding BLOs as published by the EC in 2022.' The SIR, recently conducted in Bihar, was meant to remove names of deceased or missing voters. It is now scheduled to be conducted in all states, including West Bengal. A letter regarding the same has been sent to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer. However, the specific nature of BLO duties has not been finalised. Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Subir Sanyal submitted: 'A number of duties are assigned to me—full-fledged day-to-day work—whereas I am a primary teacher. As soon as the appointment letter was issued, I came under the EC. I am under deputation for revision of electoral rolls. No duty period has been mentioned. Where am I to work? How can I discharge dual duties? My teaching job is from 10 am to 4 pm. The Supreme Court says teachers have to be drafted minimally.' Counsel Soumya Majumdar, appearing for the Election Commission, countered: 'It has been done in consultation with the schools and in line with the SC order. This electoral revision procedure is done six months before the date of election is declared. All circumstances have been weighed before issuing appointment letters. They will be given training and then put to work. Of 48,000 drafted, only 15 have filed cases. It is their apprehension that they will be called. The BLO goes to the house and brings information.' To the petitioner's concern about working without a break, the bench remarked: 'The nation requires your service, what can be done? Why is it not possible to work on Sundays? Are you afraid that all the work will be given to you?' A case had been filed last week in the Calcutta High Court alleging that primary teachers are being forced to perform BLO duties in violation of norms. Teachers claim that this additional responsibility is interfering with their teaching work and overburdening them.
The Hindu
37 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Government will be compelled to push bills in din if Opposition's protest continues in Parliament: Rijiju
The government will be compelled to press for the passage of its bills amid protests in Parliament, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Monday (August 4, 2025), as the Opposition's relentless disruptions over SIR dimmed the prospects of normal functioning of the two Houses. While the Lok Sabha saw little transaction of any listed business on Monday (August 4, 2025), the Rajya Sabha was adjourned as a mark of respect for its member and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, who passed away this morning. Mr. Rijiju insisted that the government wants a thorough discussion in Parliament over its bills but will be compelled to push for their passage from Tuesday (August 5, 2025) in "national interest" as the proposed legislations are important for governance. Hitting out at the Opposition parties, he said that they had agreed to a two-day discussion over the National Sports Governance Bill and National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, both of which were scheduled to be taken up together for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Monday (August 4, 2025), but they disrupted the proceedings. The Opposition has been insisting that the government agree to its demand for a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar before pushing its legislative agenda through Parliament. The Minister, however, made it clear that a debate on SIR cannot take place in Parliament as the exercise is part of the Election Commission's administrative action and functioning. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, he noted, had cited a ruling by former speaker Balram Jakhar, a late Congress veteran, that Parliament cannot discuss the functioning of a constitutional body like the ECI. Parliament can discuss electoral reforms but not the ECI's functioning, he said, adding that the poll watchdog has carried out SIR earlier as well. Except for a two-day discussion on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor in both the Houses, parliamentary proceedings have been all but a washout since the Monsoon session began on July 21 as the SIR exercise in Bihar has ignited vociferous protests from opposition parties.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
No claims from parties in 4 days for inclusion, deletion of names from Bihar draft electoral rolls: EC
The Election Commission on Monday said that since the Bihar draft voter list was published on August 1, no political party has approached it for inclusion or deletion of names of individuals from the document. The draft roll will be available till September 1 for claims and objections under which parties and individuals can seek inclusion of eligible citizens left out and exclusion of those they believe are ineligible. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program The EC said between 3 PM on August 1 and 3 PM on August 4 (Monday), no booth-level agent appointed by parties has approached poll authorities in the claims and objections procedure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This Fat-Burning Patch Triggers Weight Loss "Unlike Any Other" Health Advice Today Undo An EC bulletin said 1,927 individuals have approached it so far for inclusion or removal of names. The draft list is part of the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of the voter list of Bihar by the EC which is facing protests from the opposition parties as they claim the exercise will deny crores of eligible citizens their voting rights for want of documents. Live Events The EC has asserted that no eligible citizen will be left out of the electoral rolls. The final electoral roll will be published on September 30.
