Maharashtra SIR: Voters Can Now Send Documents to BLOs via WhatsApp
Official said that people can respond to notices issued through the ECINET system by sending the required documents to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) via WhatsApp.
By Sakshi
New Delhi, September 30: Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam has advised poll workers to take voter documents related to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise on WhatsApp, internet-based messaging app, and visit residences for verification, if necessary.
Confirming the order on Wednesday, an official said that people can respond to notices issued through the ECINET system by sending the required documents to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) via WhatsApp. BLOs have been asked to visit voters' residences to verify the documents submitted, reported news agency PTI.
Chockalingam had urged the Election Commission to make changes to the ECINET software to allow Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to use their discretion when dealing with discrepancies in electoral rolls, the official added.
Opposition Objects
However, the Opposition Congress has alleged that the statutory powers of EROs to determine voter eligibility were being diluted through the ECINET system.
The deadline for filing claims and objections for the SIR of electoral rolls in Maharashtra has been extended from September 30 to October 12. The period for disposal of notices and claims and objections will continue until November 10, while the final electoral roll will be published on November 16.
The Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar have come under criticism after it emerged that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded objections on at least 14 occasions over 10 months to decisions and orders related to the SIR, some of which they said were issued without their knowledge.
Opposition parties have accused Kumar of taking unilateral decisions in favour of the ruling establishment.
The Election Commission, however, said in a statement that the three-member Commission had taken decisions, including those related to the SIR of electoral rolls, unanimously.
