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Bengal LoP Threatens BLOs Citing Bihar Jailings Amid Election Revision

Trinamool Congress has accused the opposition leader of threatening booth-level officers in West Bengal. The party claims he warned BLOs they would face arrest like their counterparts in Bihar if they didn't follow instructions. This alleged intimidation comes during the crucial Special Intensive Revision process for elections. Both parties have presented conflicting interpretations of the opposition leader's statements.

Key Points: Trinamool Accuses Bengal Opposition Leader of Threatening BLOs

  • Opposition leader warned BLOs of arrest if they failed to follow instructions
  • Cited example of 52 BLOs jailed in Bihar during election revision
  • Trinamool calls it criminal intimidation during special intensive revision process
  • BJP defends statement as reminder about ECI compliance requirements
2 min read

Bengal LoP threatening BLOs in Bengal citing Bihar's example: Trinamool Congress

Trinamool Congress alleges Bengal opposition leader threatened booth-level officers with Bihar-style arrests during election revision process, demands ECI action.

"This is nothing short of criminal intimidation of government officials - Trinamool Congress statement"

Kolkata, Oct 31

Trinamool Congress, on Friday, had issued a statement accusing the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal assembly of threatening booth-level officers (BLOs) in West Bengal, citing the example of BLOs in the neighbouring state of Bihar, where several BLOs had been put behind bars during the recently concluded special intensive revision (SIR) there.

"In a shocking display of arrogance, the leader of the opposition threatened BLOs warning that if they failed to follow "instructions", he would have them arrested. He even boasted that 52 BLOs in Bihar are languishing in jail and that Bengal's BLOs would meet the same fate if they didn't toe the line," the statement issued by Trinamool Congress read.

Trinamool Congress had posted this statement on the wall of its social media handle, and a video was attached where the leader of the opposition was heard speaking on these lines recently while speaking to media persons.

IANS, however, was not in a position to check the authenticity of the video.

"This is nothing short of criminal intimidation of government officials in the middle of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, an attempt to spread fear and sabotage the fair conduct of elections. Such behaviour not only violates the law but strikes at the very foundation of India's democracy," the statement from Trinamool Congress read.

The state's ruling party had also requested the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take immediate cognizance of the matter and register an FIR against Suvendu Adhikari for his illegal high-handed conduct.

However, a state committee member of the BJP said that the Trinamool Congress was misinterpreting what the leader of the opposition meant to say.

"The BLOs are bound to follow the instructions of the ECI, and there are legal provisions of disciplinary actions against any BLO failing to comply with that and act in a partisan manner on behalf of any political party. In Bihar, exactly that had happened, and only the BLOs at fault were penalised. There is no question of penalty for those BLOs who do their work diligently and per norms. The leader of the opposition just reminded that," the state committee member said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Actually, if you read the BJP's clarification, it makes sense. BLOs should follow ECI guidelines properly. In Bihar, only those who violated rules were punished. This seems like political drama by TMC.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in election monitoring, I must say both sides have valid points. Officials should be protected from intimidation, but they must also follow election laws strictly. The EC needs to ensure fair play.
A
Arjun K
Why are we always hearing about such controversies in Bengal? This political blame game affects the common people the most. Can't our leaders focus on development instead of constant fighting? 🤦‍♂️
M
Michael C
The article mentions IANS couldn't verify the video's authenticity. We should be careful about jumping to conclusions based on unverified political statements. Let's wait for the Election Commission's investigation.
K
Kavya N
Whether it's TMC or BJP, both parties need to understand that election officials are not their personal servants. They serve the nation and democracy. This kind of pressure tactics is shameful.

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