Kolkata BLOs Mobilize to Aid Voters After App Exposes Electoral Roll Deletions
In a significant development ahead of the assembly elections, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in Kolkata are actively assisting voters whose names have been deleted from the electoral roll. This action follows the reactivation of the BLO App, which revealed these deletions 24 hours before the final electoral roll is set to be published on Saturday.
App Reactivation Reveals Missing Voter Names
The BLO App, which was disabled after the Summary Revision (SIR) hearings concluded on February 14, was re-activated on Wednesday. Upon checking the electoral list on the app, BLOs discovered that numerous names were missing from their respective neighborhoods. This pre-publication insight has prompted immediate action from electoral authorities.
Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) have reportedly instructed BLOs to help genuine voters submit Form 6 to get their names reinstated in the roll in time for the upcoming elections. Voter enrollment can continue until the last date of nomination, providing a window for correction.
BLOs Take Proactive Steps Amid Concerns
BLOs across Kolkata have confirmed receiving directives from their supervisors or AEROs to collect documents from the "deleted" voters and assist them in re-enrolling by submitting Form 6 online. A BLO from Shyampukur stated, "On the app, the list of electors in my area showed the names of about 20 people missing. My supervisor asked me to help deleted voters fill Form 6 online and upload their documents. I have their documents, I will call them up to fill the forms."
However, some BLOs are adopting a more cautious approach. A BLO in south Kolkata explained, "The names of about 50 voters in my area have been struck off but I am waiting for the list to come out or I may face a backlash from those voters." He added that he has the deleted voters' documents ready and plans to approach them for Form 6 applications from Saturday, after the final list is officially published.
Questions Raised Over Re-Enrollment Logic
Despite the efforts, some BLOs have raised concerns about the practicality of the Form 6 application process. A BLO in Howrah questioned, "The electors whose names were deleted could not produce the Election Commission-specified documents. They will still have those same documents while applying for Form 6. I am unsure if they can get their names back on the electoral roll." This highlights potential hurdles in the re-enrollment process, as voters may face the same documentation issues that led to their initial deletion.
The situation underscores the critical role of BLOs in ensuring voter inclusivity and the challenges in maintaining accurate electoral rolls. As the final list publication approaches, their actions will be pivotal in addressing these discrepancies and facilitating voter participation in the democratic process.
