Chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar (ANI)
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Friday wrote to the West Bengal DGP and Kolkata police commissioner directing them to protect the booth level officers (BLOs) engaged in special intensive revision in the state, “from unruly political party workers” who may be pressurising and threatening them to add or delete certain electors from the roll.The communication followed EC’s meeting with a Trinamool Congress delegation here, during which chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar emphasised that the “pressure” faced by BLOs was not account of demands of SIR-related work, but due to the undue influence and threats they face each day at the hands of party workers, particularly from All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) not to recommend the deletion of dead, shifted and duplicate voters from the roll. EC also asked the Kolkata CP to shift the office of the state chief electoral officer (CEO) to a more secure location in view of the recent security breach, while ensuring security of the existing office.In a point-by-point rebuttal of the “baseless allegations” and “unfounded apprehensions” expressed by the AITC delegation, the CEC explained how SIR process cannot be the plausible reason for pressure faced by BLOs, since they are simply required to distribute and collect the enumeration forms (EFs), unlike SIR in Bihar where documents too were collected. Even if the electors cannot be mapped by the BLOs, they can simply have EF signed by the elector and collect it. Such electors will get a notice after the draft roll is published and can prove their eligibility by submitting documents. CEC underlined that as per Article 326 of the Constitution, only Indian citizens can vote and not foreigners. Concerned for BLOs who are torn between doing their duty and facing constant threats from local party workers, EC on Friday told the Bengal DGP and Kolkata CP to deploy state armed police personnel for their protection. If need be, the EC will consider utilising Central forces too. EC on Friday also objected to non-disbursal of the enhanced honorarium to BLOs by the Bengal govt and directed it to do so without delay. Kumar on Friday bluntly told the AITC delegation to ensure that their party workers refrain from interfering with the independent functioning of all poll-related officers including BLOs. The party was told that it will get ample opportunity to seek additions or deletions, first during the claims and objections period after the draft roll is published and then at the appeal stage following publication of the final roll.Ignoring AITC’s reservations, EC on Friday also directed all district election officers (DEOs) to set up polling stations in slums, high-rises and gated residential colonies, as is being done in other states/UTs as per its instructions. Failure to comply may invite strict action, said a source.Reminding the AITC delegation that preparation of electoral roll and conduct of elections is as per the Constitution and electoral laws, EC asked the party to abide by the same. The CEC said that while political rhetoric may be their prerogative, AITC members should refrain from spreading misinformation relating to election procedures.