A high-level Bharatiya Janata Party delegation approached the Election Commission of India on Wednesday, raising serious concerns about electoral irregularities and administrative challenges during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in West Bengal.
Delegation Composition and Key Issues
The five-member team comprising Samik Bhattacharya, Jagannath Sarkar, Khagen Murmu, Om Pathak, and Amit Malviya met with EC officials in New Delhi on November 27, 2025, seeking immediate intervention in what they described as pressing issues threatening electoral fairness.
The delegation highlighted multiple concerns including illegal infiltration from Bangladesh, dubious voter entries, and what they termed as "extreme pressure" on Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who are responsible for maintaining accurate voter rolls at the grassroots level.
Specific Allegations and Demands
Among the key issues raised was the alleged presence of illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh who have reportedly obtained fraudulent documents through local networks. The BJP team asserted that their continued inclusion in electoral rolls compromises the sanctity of the voting process and demanded strict verification protocols.
The delegation also pointed to "ghost entries" and the need to remove names of deceased voters from the rolls. They expressed concerns about suspicious migration patterns of voters to specific constituencies, suggesting possible manipulation of election outcomes.
Regarding the Matua community and other Hindu groups including Buddhists and Jains, the BJP representatives requested the poll panel to provide assurances that their names would be properly included in voter lists during the ongoing revision process.
Structural Concerns and BLO Challenges
A significant structural issue raised involved the unique administrative setup in West Bengal where the Chief Electoral Officer's office operates under the state Home Department, unlike other states where CEOs function independently. The delegation argued this arrangement compromises autonomy and operational neutrality.
The BJP team particularly emphasized the difficult circumstances facing Booth Level Officers, claiming they were working under political coercion rather than routine SIR workload pressures. The delegation further alleged that the mandated honorarium of Rs 18,000 for BLOs had been withheld, adding to their difficulties.
The meeting concluded with the BJP delegation urging the Election Commission to take urgent measures to address these concerns and ensure free and fair electoral processes in West Bengal.
