Showcause notices to Bengal BLOs for non-compliance with election-related directives

Kolkata: Showcause notices have been issued to about 600 booth-level officers in West Bengal for alleged non-compliance with election-related directives under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, a senior official said on Wednesday. A total of 80,600 BLOs were recruited with an eye on 2026 assembly elections.

The notices have been issued by electoral registration officers and district election officers.

72 Hours to Explain


BLOs have been asked to explain within 72 hours why disciplinary or penal action should not be initiated against them for "wilful negligence" and "refusal of government order" .

A notice sent to a BLO in Burdwan says "it has been found that in spite of service of appointment letter for performing duty as booth level officer, 158, Amarargad High School under 273, Ausgram (SC) AC... you have intentionally and deliberately non-cooperated in poll process".

Another BLO has been asked "why the controlling authority shall not initiate disciplinary proceedings and penal action against you...for wilful negligence as well as non-compliance and refusal of government order".