By Special Correspondent
Indore: Senior Congress leader and former minister Sajjan Singh Verma has alleged serious irregularities in the appointment of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) programme in Madhya Pradesh. He claimed that the Election Commission is working under the pressure of the BJP government, thereby compromising its neutrality and weakening the democratic framework.
Verma, who chairs the Congress State SIR Monitoring Committee, stated that the appointments violate the Election Commission’s guidelines. He pointed out that in several districts, individuals such as forest guards, mid-day meal workers, Anganwadi helpers and outsourced contract staff have been appointed as BLOs, despite not being regular government employees. “How can the reliability of the voter list be ensured when temporary and contractual staff, whose services may depend on the government, are given such responsibilities?” he asked.
He argued that forest guards generally serve far from polling locations, making voter verification at the household level impractical. Likewise, mid-day meal workers and Anganwadi helpers are not authorised permanent employees, making their appointment legally questionable. In some districts, meter readers and other contract workers have also been assigned as BLOs, allegedly in violation of eligibility norms.
Verma further stated that there is a lack of transparency despite directives issued by district collectors. He also criticised the slow progress of Aadhaar linkage in voter lists, asserting that the SIR process has been launched without adequate preparation, forms and materials.
The Congress has demanded an immediate review of BLO appointments, removal of ineligible appointees and adherence to the Supreme Court’s directions regarding Aadhaar linkage. Verma warned that if corrective action is not taken, the party will launch phased protests at district election offices across the state.
