Political Tensions Rise in West Bengal Over Voter List Revision
The political climate in West Bengal is becoming increasingly charged as the Election Commission announces a Special Intensive Revision of the voter list. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the ruling Trinamool Congress have expressed strong opposition to this initiative, with Banerjee planning a major protest in Kolkata. The revision process, set to take place across multiple states, has sparked controversy, particularly among teachers appointed as BLOs, who are raising concerns about their working conditions and security. As tensions rise, the implications for the upcoming elections remain uncertain.
Nov 3, 2025, 15:58 IST
Political Climate Heats Up in West Bengal
The political atmosphere in West Bengal has intensified following the Election Commission's decision to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list. The ruling Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have openly opposed the SIR process. Chief Minister Banerjee has announced her intention to lead a significant protest march in Kolkata on Tuesday, November 4, to voice her objections. The Election Commission recently revealed that the second phase of the SIR will take place across 12 states and union territories, including West Bengal, in preparation for the upcoming elections. This phase will run from November 4 to December 4, with a draft of the voter list set to be published on December 9 and the final list to be released on February 7.
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On Saturday, disruptions were reported during the BLO training sessions in Kolkata and several districts, sparking a new controversy. Reports indicate that government employees raised concerns regarding their official duty status, working hours, and security coverage. Many teachers appointed as BLOs alleged that their schools marked them as 'absent' during training hours. They demanded to be marked as 'on duty' for those days. Additionally, teachers requested central security coverage during training sessions and warned that they would not work without adequate safety measures. Numerous female teachers expressed their refusal to work after dark without security. A significant number of BLOs also highlighted the issue of being forced to work beyond their designated hours. However, sources from the Election Commission stated that the demand for central security could not be accommodated, as law and order is a state matter.
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BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of intimidating BLOs to undermine the SIR process. She stated, "All BLOs across the districts are undergoing training. We expect them to work without fear. If Mamata Banerjee believes she can intimidate them into halting the SIR process, she is mistaken." Meanwhile, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh claimed that the state government was unaware that teachers were being utilized as BLOs. He argued that the SIR process forces teachers to work beyond their regular hours, creating difficulties for them. He further noted that the education department had no prior knowledge regarding the deployment of these BLOs.