EC show causes 8 BLOs, files FIRs against 5 BLAs over roll revision irregularities
The Statesman | 9 November 2025
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has showcased eight booth level officers (BLOs) and filed FIRs against five booth level agents (BLAs) for alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.
The action came following complaints that several BLOs were distributing enumeration forms from specific locations such as schools and party offices instead of conducting the mandatory door-to-door visits.
According to the Commission sources, FIRs have been lodged against five BLAs, who were allegedly pressurising BLOs to hand over enumeration forms in the names of deceased voters.
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal informed on Saturday that the Commission would not hesitate to initiate FIRs against any BLO found deliberately tampering with forms or working under the influence of BLAs representing particular political parties.
District Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) have issued show-cause notices to BLOs from districts, including Cooch Behar and North 24-Parganas, after receiving multiple complaints of irregular distribution.
Earlier, the Commission had warned that disciplinary action would be taken against officers failing to follow its door-to-door directive, and the latest show cause reflects that warning being enforced.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Saturday launched a dedicated helpline number — 033-22310850 — for citizens to lodge complaints against BLOs allegedly indulging in partisan behaviour.
Officials said any BLO named in such complaints would first be questioned and cautioned, and if found repeating the offence, a departmental inquiry could be ordered.
The Commission’s strong action signals its determination to ensure transparency and neutrality in the ongoing voter list revision exercise, amid reports from various districts of forms being distributed from bus stands, roadside tea stalls, and party offices instead of voters’ homes.