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West Bengal BLOs Under Siege: How TMC Goons Threaten Election Integrity

A Booth Level Officer has made shocking allegations about electoral manipulation in West Bengal. BLOs are reportedly working under constant threat from TMC supporters who are pressuring them to include illegal voters. During the recent Lok Sabha elections, voters were allegedly prevented from reaching polling stations by groups linked to Abhishek Banerjee's supporters. Despite multiple complaints to election authorities, no concrete action has been taken to address these serious concerns.

Key Points: BLOs Face TMC Threats and Bribes in West Bengal Polls

  • BLOs report constant threats from TMC supporters during voter list revisions
  • Election officials allegedly offered bribes to include illegal voter names
  • Voters prevented from reaching booths during 2024 Lok Sabha elections
  • Security demands include paramilitary deployment for BLO protection
  • Opposition voters systematically blocked from casting ballots
  • Election authorities failed to act on submitted complaints list
2 min read

BLOs under siege, TMC goons using bribes and muscle to sway voters, claims poll officer

Booth Level Officers allege TMC supporters using intimidation and bribes to manipulate voter lists in West Bengal, demanding paramilitary security for fair elections.

"Democracy was made meaningless. We now expect the Election Commission of India to ensure a truly free environment so that democracy can finally prevail - Swapan Mondal"

New Delhi, Oct 19

Raising serious concerns over alleged intimidation and electoral malpractices, Swapan Mondal, a Booth Level Officer (BLO) and General Secretary of Votekormi Oikyo Mancha, said on Sunday that BLOs in several regions of West Bengal are working under constant threat from Trinamool Congress-backed supporters. 

In an exclusive interview to IANS, Mondal said that the State Intensive Revision (SIR) process is set to begin soon and most of the groundwork, including voter mapping, has already been completed by the BLOs.

However, he alleged that during field visits, several BLOs were threatened and even approached with bribes by individuals linked to the Trinamool Congress (TMC), who were pressuring them to include illegal voter names in the revised electoral rolls.

"We have submitted all these concerns to the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and the Additional CEO. We have clearly demanded security, including deployment of paramilitary forces, to ensure BLOs can carry out their duties without fear," he said.

Commenting on Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee's victory from Diamond Harbour during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Mondal claimed that the victory was not reflection of a fair mandate.

He alleged that on the polling day, voters were prevented from reaching booths, and those who attempted to vote were allegedly pushed back by groups reportedly linked to "Abhishek Vahini" (referring to Abhishek Banerjee's supporters).

"The BLOs have no role in polling, but polling personnel were silenced, and voters were terrorised. The margin of victory was manufactured because the Opposition in West Bengal was not allowed to vote," he said.

He also named a person identified as Jahangir, accusing him of playing a key role in coercive tactics on the voters.

Despite submitting a list of around 20-25 alleged "anti-national elements" to the election authorities, Mondal said no arrests were made.

"Even the paramilitary forces remained mute spectators," he claimed.

Mondal said that the then Chief Electoral Officer, Ariz Aftab, had been informed repeatedly of the situation but failed to act.

"Democracy was made meaningless. We now expect the Election Commission of India to ensure a truly free environment so that democracy can finally prevail," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As someone from Kolkata, I've seen this happen in previous elections too. The "goonda raj" needs to stop. Paramilitary forces should be deployed well before elections begin, not just on polling day.
D
David E
While these allegations are serious, we should wait for proper investigation. Both sides make claims during election season. The Election Commission should conduct a fair inquiry before jumping to conclusions.
A
Ananya R
Shocking! If true, this is a direct attack on democracy. Common people like us work hard and want to vote freely. Why should we be terrorized? EC must take strict action! 🙏
S
Siddharth J
The fact that paramilitary forces remained "mute spectators" is the most alarming part. What's the point of having security if they don't intervene when democracy is being threatened?
M
Michael C
This pattern of electoral malpractice in West Bengal needs national attention. Democracy cannot function when voters are prevented from exercising their fundamental right. Strong EC action needed!

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