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The Hindu
29-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Suvendu alleges Mamata attempting to 'intimidate' poll officers, writes to EC seeking action
Alleging that West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee was attempting to "intimidate" booth-level officers (BLOs), Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday (July 29, 2025) urged the ECI to take cognisance of the matter and ensure the integrity of the electoral process. In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Mr. 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 ECI. "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. Mr. 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. Mr. 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," Mr. 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.
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Suvendu alleges Mamata attempting to 'intimidate' poll officers, writes to EC seeking action
Suvendu Adhikari has urged the Election Commission to address West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's alleged attempts to intimidate booth-level officers. Adhikari claims Banerjee's remarks undermine the EC's authority and could influence voter list revisions for political gain. He also alleges irregularities in BLO appointments and suspicious entries in electoral rolls, demanding the EC ensure fair elections in West Bengal. 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 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 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 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 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 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 a press conference earlier, Adhikari alleged that large-scale irregularities have happened in the appointment of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in the 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 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.
Mint
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
ADR moves Supreme Court against ECI's directive to Bihar voter roll revision, cites ‘risk of mass disenfranchisement'
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court by the Association for Democratic Reforms challenging the Election Commission of India's directive to conduct a Special Intensive Revision of the electoral roll in Bihar, as reported by LiveLaw. The ECI's order is arbitrary and could potentially lead to the disenfranchisement of millions of voters. The plea argues that the ECI's order is arbitrary and could potentially lead to the disenfranchisement of millions of voters, LiveLaw reported. According to the Election Commission, the first visit of the Booth Level Officers (BLOS) to nearly 1.5 crore households in the state was completed ON Friday and over 87 per cent Enumeration Forms (i.e. 6,86,17,932) out of the total of 7,89,69,844 (nearly 7.90 crore) electors in Bihar who are enrolled as on June 24, 2025, have been distributed during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being conducted in the state. The remaining houses could be locked, or belong to deceased electors, migrants, or those who may be travelling. Since the BLO shall be visiting the houses of the electors three times during the exercise, these figures are likely to increase further. The partially filled forms are also available for download on the ECI portal, as well as on the ECINET App. Electors can upload the filled forms themselves on the ECINET App. Besides, 1,54,977 Booth Level Agents (BLAS) appointed by various political parties are also providing active support in the SIR process, ANI reported. As on July 2, BJP has appointed 52,689 BLAS, followed by 47,504 of RJD, 34,669 of JD(U), 16,500 of INC, 1913 of Rashtriya Lok Jan Shakti Party, 1271 of CPI(ML)L, 1153 of Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ram Vilas), 578 of CPI(M), 270 of Rashtriya Lok Samta Party besides others such as BSP (74), NPP (3) and AAP (1). Each BLA can submit up to 50 certified forms per day. Verification will commence vigorously from August 2, 2025, onwards, following the publication of the draft electoral rolls. Based on the published Draft of Electoral Rolls, Claims and Objections will be received from any political parties or any member of the public from 2nd August 2025 onwards. The final electoral rolls will be published on September 30, 2025. Appeals can also be filed thereafter with the DM and the CEO. (With inputs from agencies)
