West Bengal SIR: EC Issues Show-Cause Notices To 8 BLOs For Distributing Forms At Tea-Stalls

West Bengal SIR: The Election Commission has issued show-cause notices to eight booth-level officers (BLOs) in West Bengal for violating the guidelines set for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. While providing details, the officials stated that the officers were distributing the forms from tea stalls and local shops instead of visiting door-to-door. They further stated that the officers have been asked to visit the houses of voters to ensure the accuracy of the process. Apart from this, the poll body has also issued new directives to ensure strict adherence to procedures during the SIR exercise in the state.

The officials asserted that the Election Commission has directed state authorities to follow the Bihar model, which requires BLOs to go directly to voters' homes to distribute and collect forms. The officers are required to link the voter ID card with the mobile number or email ID to submit the online counting form during the revision process.

ALSO READ: Maharashtra: Ajit Pawar's Son Will Have To Pay Double The Stamp Duty To Scrap Controversial Land Deal

The poll body has also issued a notification stating that the online form will not be accepted if the mobile number or email ID is not linked. The Election Commission has warned that further strict actions will be taken if the guidelines are not being followed, adding that visiting voters' houses and taking contact details is mandatory to ensure the accuracy.

The action against the officers has been taken amid an ongoing political row over the SIR in West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has claimed that the revision was being conducted to remove the voters of the marginalised groups; however, the poll body has maintained that the process was being conducted as per the rules.

ALSO READ: New Ashok Nagar: Footbridge Linking Namo Bharat And Metro Stations Opens

"The EC is conducting SIR in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, but not in BJP-ruled Assam. The Election Commission must also reply why there is no SIR in BJP-ruled Assam, Tripura, and other northeastern states," the chief minister stated.