Navigating Electoral Questions: BLOs Face Challenges as Voter Verification Begins

As the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls begins in West Bengal, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) find themselves inundated with queries from voters during their visits. Concerns range from overseas enumeration to the status of post-2002 births.

The Election Commission has tasked BLOs to verify voter data based on the 2002 rolls. In Kolkata's Naktala-Baishnabghata belt under the Tollygunge assembly seat, a BLO is fielding calls from anxious voters daily. "I can visit your residence in a week and a half," the BLO remarks to concerned residents seeking information.

Voters like Prabir Sen, with family members abroad, and Balaram Paul, whose children were born post-2002, seek assurance about their electoral status. BLOs are also addressing issues like incomplete 2002 electoral lists. At local camps, TMC activists provide further assistance as the CEO's office reports 1.1 crore forms distributed by November 5.