CM Mamata to BLOs in Bolpur: “Ensure no name is wrongly removed, you work for State Govt”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday reminded Block Level Officers (BLOs) in Bolpur that they are employees of the state government and must ensure no names are wrongly removed from the electoral rolls. Her statement was made during an administrative meeting ahead of the Election Commission’s upcoming special revision of the voters’ list in the state.

Banerjee said, “BLOs must ensure that no one’s name is omitted from the voter list. The Election Commission takes charge after poll dates are announced, but until then, and even afterward, the administration remains with the state government. You are employees of the state government. Do not unnecessarily harass anyone.”

Her comments followed a directive issued last week by the Election Commission to the state’s Chief Secretary. The directive asked for the complete separation of the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office from the Finance and Home Departments. The Commission stated that the CEO’s office must be declared independent to maintain administrative and financial autonomy.

The Election Commission’s directive comes ahead of the state’s voter list revision drive. The move aims to ensure error-free electoral rolls and a streamlined process. No official response has been issued yet regarding Banerjee’s comments, which were made in the context of BLO responsibilities during the revision period.