The Election Commission of India (ECI) has addressed a letter to West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar almost three days after tensions escalated outside the EC office in Kolkata. In a letter dated November 28, she directed the top law enforcement officials in West Bengal to ensure the safety and security of Booth Level Officers (BLO), Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and other election officials involved in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise across the state.
Urging the concerned authorities to take strict security measures to prevent any intimidation of polling staff, the letter said, “The Commission is concerned about the safety and security of the booth officers and other field functionaries involved in the work of the SIR and therefore directs that the police authorities take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of these officers and staff.
He further added, “It will be ensured that no perceptible atmosphere of fear, threats and undue influence is created on these field functionaries and no untoward incident takes place at any place.”
The call to beef up security comes after a security breach on November 24 at a central building in Kolkata where protesters opposed the SIR exercise.
Role and Responsibilities of Special Roll Observer
Stressing that BLOs must not be subjected to coercion, threats or interference by political party workers, the letter states: “In exercise of the powers conferred upon it by Article 324 (6) of the Constitution of India, the Election Commission of India hereby appoints you as its Special Observer in connection with the work related to the Special Intensive Revision of the Electoral Rolls of West Bengal in the State of the State of India.
Referring to Article 324(6) of the Constitution, ECI appointed DGP as “Special Roll Observer”. Detailing the responsibilities entailed by the new function, the ECI said the Special Observer has to oversee that the SIR exercise complies with the Commission’s guidelines and seeks regular inputs for smooth continuity of the process.
He added: “As a Special Roll Observer, you will see to it that the special intensive review process is carried out strictly as per the Commission’s instructions issued vide order dated October 27, 2025 to ensure that no eligible person is omitted from the roll and no ineligible voter is included.
Keeping in mind the safety of the officials, the ECI has ordered the relocation of the office of the Director General. To avoid any future disturbance, the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata has been asked to ensure full protection of the existing premises as well as the new designated offices.
Meanwhile, the ECI has directed all District Election Officers (DEOs) to speed up the process of setting up new polling booths in slums, high-rise residential buildings and gated colonies.
A delegation of 10 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on November 28 to oppose the ongoing SIR in West Bengal and other states across the country. According to Derek O’Brien MP, the TMC submitted a list of 40 people who died “because of the SIR process”.
