Anger Erupts Before Fieldwork Begins Amid Threats to ‘Tie Up BLOs’ from TMC Leaders; Organization Demands Central Forces for Security

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The final phase of training for Booth-Level Officers (BLO) across the state began today ahead of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, witnessing an environment of extreme disorder at Netaji Indoor Stadium .

BLOs are scheduled to begin the door-to-door enumeration form process from the first Tuesday of November. Even before starting, they declared directly, “If we are not given ‘On-Duty’ status, we will not go.” The situation escalated to the point where the police had to intervene to mediate.

BLOs’ Frustration and Direct Questions:

Following the training, the BLOs vocalized their intense frustration and fear. Their key concerns included:

  • Objection to Working Hours:One protester said, “Is school work just one task? We have various duties; how will we perform BLO duty after that?”Another remarked, “It gets dark by 4:30 PM after we finish school work. Will we then wander door-to-door in the dark?“
  • Demand for ‘On-Duty’ Status:A BLO stated, “We were not clearly told whether we would be given ‘On-Duty’ status for the BLO work. It’s impossible without ‘On-Duty’.”
  • Sacrificing Teaching Duties:They questioned, “We have responsibilities and duties toward teaching and students. Who will manage those duties?”

Escalating Security Concerns:

The biggest concern is security, especially among female BLOs who questioned: “Where is the security when we have to go door-to-door at night? We should be provided security. If necessary, send central forces.”

This fear is amplified by continuous threats faced by the BLOs from the ruling camp even before the document collection work has begun:

  • Girinath Barman, TMC Chairman of Cooch Behar District, threatened that if BLOs come to the area with the voter list, they must be tied up.
  • Shyamal Mandal, TMC MLA from Basanti, was also heard warning to tie the BLOs to trees.

Administrative Assurance and Demands:

Amidst this atmosphere, the BLO-Oikyamancha organization remains concerned about safety. They have written to the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), demanding Central Forces for the security of BLOs in sensitive booths.

The police assured the protesters that their message would be conveyed to the Election Commission. Sources within the Election Commission indicate that the nodal officer has assured that security will be provided by the State Government.

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