Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Kolkata Voters Face Confusion, BLOs Protest Workload During Electoral Revision
Imagine you're a helper who makes sure everyone's name is on the list to vote.
Right now, a big job is happening all over India to update these voting lists, called the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
But the helpers, called BLOs, are super stressed because they have way too much work.
They have to give out special forms to people, collect them back, and then type all the information into a computer.
This is a lot to do, especially when they already have their regular jobs!
Some helpers are even protesting because it's too much.
Also, many people who get the forms are finding them confusing and are making mistakes, which makes the helpers' jobs even harder.
Some political groups are also unhappy with this whole process, saying it's too difficult or happening at the wrong time.
Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are protesting unmanageable workloads and seeking extensions for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Voters are reportedly making numerous errors while filling out enumeration forms, leading to incomplete data and causing difficulties for BLOs.
BLOs are struggling with new responsibilities including form distribution, collection, and digitisation using the BLO app, alongside their regular duties.
Political parties in Tamil Nadu and Kerala are voicing objections and planning protests against the SIR exercise, questioning its timing and process.
The Election Commission states that SIR duties are the sole responsibility of BLOs during the revision period and that issues are being investigated.
- Who
- Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, voters across several states, and political parties.
- What
- A Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is facing backlash due to unmanageable workload for BLOs, voter errors in form filling, and protests from political parties.
- When
- Currently ongoing, with significant issues reported since the beginning of November and protests occurring on a Saturday and planned for Sunday.
- Where
- The SIR is underway in 12 states, with major issues and protests reported in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
- Why
- BLOs are overwhelmed by the workload, which includes form distribution, collection, and digitisation, alongside their regular duties. Voters are making errors due to complex forms and fear of mistakes. Political parties are objecting to the process and its timing.
Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) and their Supporters
Election Commission of India (ECI) and Ruling Parties
Workload and Responsibilities
Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) and their Supporters
BLOs report "unmanageable" work pressure, with late-night work, difficulty distributing and collecting forms, and challenges with online data entry using the BLO app. They request the ECI to engage data entry operators and seek an extension for the enumeration phase due to tremendous work pressure. Some BLOs have staged protests, including walking out of training sessions.
Election Commission of India (ECI) and Ruling Parties
The ECI states that BLO assignments are their sole designated work for the SIR period and that there is normally no chance of work pressure. Ruling parties in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have not directly commented on BLO workload but have expressed objections to the SIR process itself.
Form Filling and Voter Errors
Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) and their Supporters
BLOs highlight that many voters make mistakes while filling out forms, leading to incomplete entries, missing information, and reliance on correction fluid. They also face challenges with data in multiple languages and the matching of data with the older 2002 SIR list.
Election Commission of India (ECI) and Ruling Parties
Ruling parties in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have not addressed the issue of voter errors, but some political parties are protesting the SIR exercise, citing concerns with the updation process.
SIR Process and Timing
Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) and their Supporters
BLOs expressed concern about performing SIR duties alongside regular workplace responsibilities and struggling with digitisation due to unfamiliarity with data entry skills. Some officials have questioned how they can manage both.
Election Commission of India (ECI) and Ruling Parties
The ECI began the SIR exercise earlier this month, with forms distributed to millions. Political parties in Kerala have raised concerns about the timing of the SIR exercise, urging the Election Commission to reconsider it.
- Event
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls
- Location
- Across 12 states, with specific issues highlighted in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala
- Purpose
- Clean up and update voter lists
- Personnel Involved
- Booth-Level Officers (BLOs), voters, political parties
- Key Issues
- Excessive workload for BLOs, voter errors in form filling, challenges with data entry and digitisation, political objections to the process and timing
- Protests
- BLOs protested in West Bengal; political parties announced protests in Tamil Nadu and Kerala
Sources
Vijay Cautions Cadre on SIR
BLOs blow overload fuse: Delegation meets CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal, airs data entry grievance - Telegraph India
TVK to hold statewide protest in TN today against SIR of electoral rolls
Include Us in Consultative Meetings, TVK requests EC
Multiple BLOs, unclear enumeration forms—SIR exercise in Kolkata creates confusion among voters
SIR rollout goes awry in Tamil Nadu & Bengal: BLOs cry foul over workload, Oppn protests
