BLO appointments spark fresh row between state and CEO office amid SIR process

A fresh flashpoint has emerged between the West Bengal government and the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with education minister Bratya Basu (photo) on Friday making explosive allegations over the appointment of Booth Level Officers (BLOs).

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Mr Basu alleged that school teachers across the state were appointed as BLOs without informing either the state government or the education department, calling it an attempt by the Commission to "usurp power". The controversy comes amid an already tense stand-offbetween the state and the Commission over the conduct of the SIR process. The minister extended support to a recent letter sent by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education to the Election Commission, urging that teachers be relieved from election-related duties during the Madhyamik examinations to ensure the smooth conduct of the crucial board exams.