This move by the BJP comes at a time when debates and controversies are intensifying around the voter list cleansing initiative, especially after the Commission clarified who is being removed in Bihar. Although the Commission has issued statements regarding the process, questions continue to be raised across the political spectrum, prompting regional units of parties like the BJP to proactively gear up.
In West Bengal, senior BJP leaders, including Shamik Bhattacharya, are leading efforts to ensure party preparedness ahead of the electoral roll update. The party has already begun conducting structured training sessions for thousands of its members, aimed at enhancing grassroots involvement in the revision process. The training program is divided into two distinct tiers: BLO One and BLO Two.
BLO One refers to assembly-based training. Each assembly constituency will have three such BLO One-level trainees whose names will be officially submitted to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) and the District Election Officer (DEO), the latter usually being the District Magistrate. These trained personnel will then be responsible for instructing booth-level workers, termed BLO Two, who will operate at the polling booth level.
The BJP has planned to train approximately 3,000 to 3,500 party workers as BLO Ones across the state. This training program, which commenced recently, is scheduled to continue until August 20. Once trained, these individuals will play a pivotal role in supporting the electoral roll revision exercise.
According to BJP insiders, the aim of the training is not only to streamline the voter list revision process but also to bridge the information gap for common voters who may not be fully aware of the procedural intricacies. These party trainees are expected to assist citizens with filling out necessary forms, advising them on the documentation required, and clarifying doubts during the revision period.
Moreover, party officials have pointed to instances in the past where booth-level officers allegedly neglected duties or failed to communicate effectively with voters. To address such issues, the trained BJP workers will act as supplementary support, monitoring the process to prevent lapses or negligence.
The training initiative reflects the party’s broader electoral strategy and preparedness, particularly in a politically sensitive and closely watched state like West Bengal. As the voter list revision progresses, the presence of such trained cadres on the ground is likely to influence both administrative efficiency and political narratives in the run-up to future elections.
The development adds yet another layer to the national discourse around voter registration, transparency, and fairness, particularly in light of recent electoral policy updates and scrutiny of large-scale deletions elsewhere in the country.