Election Commission Directs West Bengal to Release BLO Honorarium

Immediate Action Required from West Bengal Government

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has mandated that the West Bengal government promptly release the enhanced honorarium for Booth Level Officers (BLOs). The Commission has issued warnings regarding strict consequences for any attempts to intimidate election staff.

Polling Station Accessibility

In a statement, the ECI highlighted that polling stations will be established in high-rise buildings, gated communities, and slums to ensure voter accessibility. The Commission stated, “The state government of WB should immediately release the enhanced honorarium as approved by the ECI to each BLO."

Conflict Over Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls

The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has ignited tensions between the TMC-led West Bengal government and the Central government. Abhishek Banerjee, TMC’s national general secretary, accused the BJP of undermining the SIR process, claiming that over 50 lives have been lost due to anxiety and fear stemming from a voter-cleansing operation aimed at benefiting the BJP’s electoral prospects.

Managing Unmapped Voters

In response to issues regarding voters categorized as "unmapped" in the BLO app—stemming from data conversion errors linked to the 2002 electoral rolls—the West Bengal CEO’s office directed district election authorities to effectively manage these cases. Safeguards for elderly and vulnerable voters have been reaffirmed.

Support for Vulnerable Voters

Abhishek Banerjee lauded the implementation of measures designed to assist vulnerable voters. A recent communication from the Additional Chief Electoral Officer outlines that electors aged 85 and above, as well as those with disabilities, may opt-out of mandatory personal hearings. These voters can request exemptions through a representative or receive phone guidance to avoid in-person attendance.

Meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner

On Monday, a ten-member TMC delegation, led by Abhishek Banerjee, met with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in New Delhi. They discussed various concerns regarding the electoral roll revisions and the implications for voters in West Bengal.

Ongoing Voter Enumeration Concerns

During the enumeration phase of West Bengal’s SIR exercise, over 58.2 lakh names were reportedly removed from the electoral rolls. The ECI published the draft voter list for West Bengal on December 16, with the window for claims and objections open until January 15, 2026. The final electoral roll is expected to be released on February 14, 2026.

Call for Transparency in Voter Data

On December 29, a five-member TMC delegation delivered a memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal. They demanded transparency regarding voters classified under the "Logical Discrepancy" category, insisting on the disclosure of the methodology and legal basis for this classification.