Kolkata, 04 November (H.S.). The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls began across West Bengal on Tuesday, with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) starting door-to-door distribution of enumeration forms. On the same day, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari lodged a serious complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), alleging large-scale fraud in documents being submitted during the SIR process.

Adhikari claimed that fake birth certificates are being created using the identities of deceased voters, and accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of orchestrating the malpractice. He submitted related documents as evidence to CEO Manoj Agarwal during his visit to the latter’s office, accompanied by BJP state vice-president Sanjay Singh and general secretary Jagannath Chattopadhyay.

According to election commission sources, the BJP delegation was assured that all documents submitted with enumeration forms will undergo strict scrutiny.

The Opposition leader further alleged that the agency ‘I-PAC’ is facilitating such forged documentation to benefit the TMC during the revision exercise. He claimed that the fraudulent activities are particularly rampant in North and South 24 Parganas and Cooch Behar districts.

Adhikari demanded that a complete list of BLOs be published on the Election Commission’s website and shared with political parties. He also insisted that their job roles and positions be clearly disclosed, alleging that several Anganwadi workers have been appointed as BLOs, raising concerns of political influence.

He warned that any lapses by BLOs must carry consequences, citing similar cases in Bihar where officials were penalized and even jailed. The BJP has also accused TMC cadres of interfering in the SIR process and urged the Commission to take appropriate corrective action.

Meanwhile, due to the rush of citizens attempting to obtain birth certificates for verification during the electoral roll revision, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s website reportedly experienced temporary disruptions.

The BJP maintains that the rising demand for birth certificates has provided an opportunity for misuse, and reiterated that safeguarding the integrity of the SIR process is crucial for ensuring a fair electoral roll in the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh