Heightened Tensions: Security Concerns for West Bengal's Booth Level Officers

The Election Commission of India urges West Bengal police to ensure the safety of Booth Level Officers amid threats allegedly from the ruling Trinamool Congress. With over 80,000 BLOs involved in electoral roll revisions, tensions rise following security breaches and claims of intimidation by political parties.

The Election Commission (EC) has stepped up its call for enhanced security for West Bengal's Booth Level Officers (BLOs) amid escalating threats. In a letter addressed to the state's Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar, the EC highlighted apparent dangers faced by BLOs involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

This marks the second correspondence from the EC to West Bengal's administration in three days, underscoring the pressing concerns over the protection of poll officials. The first letter this week was directed to Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, citing a significant security breach at the Chief Electoral Officer's office following protests against excessive work demands on BLOs.

The situation intensified as state BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to assess the alleged coercive tactics employed by the ruling Trinamool Congress. Meanwhile, directives have been issued for the relocation of the CEO's office to a more secure location to ensure continued safety during the electoral process.

(With inputs from agencies.)