Kolkata, 10 December (H.S.) :

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued show-cause notices to two Booth Level Officers (BLOs), the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), and the Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) in connection with serious irregularities reported during the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the voters’ list in Booth No. 94 of the Baruipur East Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district. The officials have been asked to respond within 48 hours.

According to ECI sources, the first BLO assigned to the booth was earlier removed due to allegations of political bias, as she was reportedly affiliated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC). An Anganwadi worker was then appointed as her replacement. However, complaints surfaced that the removed BLO continued to perform her duties despite the official order of removal.

During verification, inspectors found the signatures of both BLOs on forms related to the voters’ list, exposing the irregularity. The issue became more serious when the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office discovered that the removed BLO’s signature appeared on forms dated November 25, even though she had been officially relieved of duties on November 4.

A senior CEO official said, “It is extremely concerning how such a situation was allowed to occur. A detailed report has been sought.” The complaints were escalated directly to Special Observer Subrata Gupta and Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal.

The ECI has also issued show-cause notices to the ERO and AERO for failing to prevent the violation. Preliminary investigations revealed that the newly appointed BLO allowed the removed BLO to collect several forms, which the Commission has termed a serious breach of SSR protocols.

A senior election official said, “We have repeatedly stressed the need for transparency in the SSR process. Yet, reports of irregularities and misconduct continue to surface from Baruipur East. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty.”

This action comes as the Election Commission intensifies its statewide monitoring of the SSR process. A recent report from district election officers initially claimed that no deaths or migrations were reported across 2,208 booths last year. However, after the ECI sought a written clarification, the figure was revised to just two booths, revealing major discrepancies.

Following the incident, the Commission has appointed five new observers to oversee electoral roll operations in the Presidency, Medinipur, Bardhaman, Malda, and Jalpaiguri divisions.

Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal is scheduled to meet the newly appointed observers and Special Observer Subrata Gupta on Wednesday to review the current challenges in the SSR process and ensure greater accountability.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh