ECI (File photo)
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday wrote to Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, raising alarm over a “serious security breach” during a protest by booth-level officers (BLOs) at the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Kolkata. The poll body has directed the police to ensure the safety of its officials and submit an action-taken report within 48 hours.The letter was issued following a security breach on Monday during a protest by booth-level officers (BLOs) outside the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Kolkata, where some demonstrators attempted to force entry, prompting police intervention and a brief scuffle.“It has come to the notice of ECI that on 24.11.2025 a serious security breach has occurred at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, which has also been widely reported in Media,” the letter read. The poll body warned that the situation could endanger senior election officials.“The existing security in the office of the CEO appeared to be inadequate to handle the situation, which could lead to threat to the safety and security of the Chief Electoral Officer, Additional Chief Electoral Officers, Joint Chief Electoral Officers, Deputy Chief Electoral Officers and other officers and staff working in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer,” it said. The Commission has asked the police to ensure safety at the office, at residences of officials and during their travel.“The Commission has taken a serious view of the incident and directs that the Police Authorities should take all possible measures to ensure safety and security of officers and staff posted in the office of the CEO, at their residences and while commuting to and fro,” the letter stated.It further sought heightened security due to “sensitivity involved” ahead of upcoming elections in the state.“The Commission further directs that adequate security classification shall be done on account of sensitivity involved due to SIR activities and forthcoming elections in the State and ensure that no untoward incident occurs again. An action taken report may be sent to the Commission within 48 Hours of receipt of this letter,” it further read.The breach occurred during a demonstration by booth-level officers outside the CEO’s office. Their protest march began around 1pm from College Street and reached the NSC Bose Road office at approximately 2.30pm.BLOs have alleged “inhumane stress” from the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Authorities had barricaded the entrance, but protesters tried to scale it, leading to a scuffle with police.At least 13 representatives were later allowed inside to submit a memorandum demanding an extension of deadlines and relief from online data-upload duties.Their agitation came days after the deaths of two BLOs, with families blaming excessive workload. Another officer suffered a cerebral attack, further fuelling anger among workers.West Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal earlier said BLOs were “heroes” of the electoral process and assured that no action would be taken against them for genuine errors.The situation has intensified an already sharp confrontation between the state government and the ECI.On Monday, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, flagging what she called two “disturbing yet urgent developments” ahead of polls.She criticised a centralised proposal by the CEO to outsource data entry staff:In her letter, Mamata wrote: “When district offices already have a substantial number of competent professionals performing such functions, what necessitates the CEO’s initiative to outsource the same work through an external agency for a full year?”She also objected to a plan to set up polling stations inside private residential complexes, calling it “deeply problematic”.”It has further been brought to my attention that the Election Commission is considering setting up polling stations within private residential complexes, and DEOs have been asked to provide recommendations.This proposal is deeply problematic. Polling stations have always been-and must remain-located in government or semi-government institutions, preferably within a 2 km radius, to ensure accessibility and neutrality,” Banerjee wrote in her letter. Banerjee appealed to the ECI to act “with utmost seriousness, impartiality and transparency.”The Special Intensive Revision exercise, which began on November 4, will conclude on December 4 and draft electoral rolls are scheduled for publication on December 9. Elections in West Bengal are scheduled next year.