Kolkata witnessed high drama on Saturday as Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and others having allegiance to the ruling Trinamool Congress launched an intense protest outside the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), demanding more time for form submission and relief from excessive workload.
The unrest began while CEO Manoj Agarwal was holding a meeting with 13 roll observers appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) at the Bengal Chamber of Commerce. As soon as the meeting ended, groups of BLOs rushed toward his car, chanting slogans and demanding a dialogue.
Police personnel formed a security cordon and escorted the CEO to his office amid the agitation.
The protesting BLOs accused the administration of ignoring their repeated appeals. They demanded immediate compensation for the families of deceased BLOs, whose deaths — reported across the state in recent weeks — have sparked widespread concern.
BLOs said they had been waiting outside the CEO office since morning, but despite “multiple requests,” no official response was given. Many sat on the road, vowing not to leave until the CEO agreed to meet them.
As police attempted to prevent the crowd from advancing toward the building, a fresh scuffle erupted. Members of the BLO Rights Protection Committee, a platform known for its allegiance to the TMC, alleged that one of their representatives was injured during the altercation. In retaliation, protesters gheraoed the CEO office, intensifying the standoff.
The protest comes at a critical juncture— the statewide intensive revision of voter lists is nearing completion.
To improve transparency and accuracy, the Election Commission has deployed special roll observers for the state and is appointing separate roll observers for districts. Twelve senior IAS officers have been assigned to oversee the process in 12 major districts.
CEO Agarwal’s meeting with these officers on Saturday coincided with the surge of protests outside his office.
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