TMC Files Complaint Against Suvendu Adhikari Over Alleged Threats to BLOs

Agencies, Kolkata, November 1, 2025 : The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal has lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state, accusing Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari of issuing threats to Booth Level Officers (BLOs). The TMC has called for immediate action, demanding that the CEO direct the police to register an FIR against Adhikari for alleged criminal intimidation.

In the letter sent to the CEO on Friday, senior TMC leader and state minister Aroop Biswas claimed that during a recent press interaction, Adhikari had openly threatened BLOs with imprisonment if they failed to comply with his instructions. Biswas described the comments as a "brazen act of intimidation" targeting government officials involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The TMC argued that such remarks from Adhikari not only undermined the integrity of the electoral process but also posed a serious threat to the free and fair conduct of elections in the state. They contended that Adhikari’s statements amounted to criminal intimidation under Section 351 of the Indian Penal Code (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), which prohibits threatening another person with harm.

The ruling party further requested the CEO to take immediate protective measures for BLOs and other election functionaries involved in the SIR process, ensuring that they are shielded from political harassment. The TMC also urged the Election Commission to issue a directive warning all political parties that any attempts to intimidate election officials would result in criminal sanctions.

The complaint comes amid heightened tensions over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, a process that is crucial in ensuring the accuracy and fairness of voter lists ahead of upcoming elections. The TMC’s call for swift action highlights the importance of maintaining impartiality and protecting election officials from undue political pressure during this sensitive period.