BLOs are the backbone of democracy: CEC Gyanesh Kumar

India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday said Booth Level Officers (BLOs) serve as the backbone of democracy.

At the Election Commission of India Regional Conference on ‘ELC & ECINET’ held in Chennai, he addressed nearly 1,000 students and educators and interacted with around 500 booth-level officers.

The conference was organized to increase youth participation and improve preparedness for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry level elections. In an interactive meeting with 500 BLOs, the Chief Election Commissioner emphasized their crucial role in the elections.

Mr. Kumar told reporters that Booth-level officers act as the bedrock of democracy and highlighted their vital contribution in maintaining accurate and error-free electoral rolls.

The conference was also attended by around 1000 delegates representing 300 schools, 75 colleges and 25 universities from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. During the afternoon part of the event, there was an interactive meeting with the participants.

Published – 27 Aug 2026 23:45 IST