ECI removes BLO in Bandwan after opposition complaint
The Statesman | 11 November 2025
Baurilal Murmu, a TMC panchayat member of Bandwan Gram Panchayat, has been removed from his post as booth level officer (BLO) after the BJP lodged a complaint against him with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Nisipada Saha, a BJP leader, alleged that he had lodged a complaint with the ECI stating that Murmu, a para-teacher and an elected gram panchayat member of a registered political party, had been appointed as the BLO for Booth No. 91 of Tumrasol Gram Panchayat under the Bandwan Assembly segment. “After the complaint was lodged through the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, the concerned BLO was removed from his post. However, till today, no one has been appointed in his place,” he claimed.
Rajib Lochan Soren, the TMC MLA of Bandwan, said that he had already discussed the issue with the BDO of Bandwan and that a new BLO would be appointed soon. “The administration takes such decisions regarding the appointment of BLOs. The party has no role in this matter and will not comment further,” he said.
The CPM and the Congress have also demanded the immediate appointment of a BLO in Booth No. 91, as six days have already passed since the commencement of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in West Bengal, which began under the directives of the Election Commission along with several other states.
The process is scheduled to be completed by 4 December. Sources at the BDO office said that a new BLO would be announced and take charge within the next couple of days.
Baurilal Murmu, the para-teacher, confirmed that the ECI had relieved him of his duties for the SIR process following complaints lodged by the opposition parties.