13 Muslim BLOs Removed: Congress Accuses BJP of Targeted ‘Communal Cleansing’ in Assam's Sribhumi

A major political controversy has erupted in the 123–Karimganj North Assembly Constituency after the Congress alleged that the names of 13 Muslim Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were deliberately removed from the latest official list issued by the District Commissioner’s Election Branch, Sribhumi.

The order, dated December 6, 2025, directs newly appointed BLO Supervisors to take charge and attend a meeting at the Election Branch, DC’s Office, Sribhumi. Out of the 15 officers replaced, 13 are Muslims, a point highlighted strongly by the Congress, which claims that the move is “politically motivated” and aimed at influencing the electoral process.

Congress Alleges Targeted Removal

According to Congress leaders, the large-scale removal of Muslim BLOs indicates a “specific purpose” behind the reshuffle.

The party further alleged that similar patterns are emerging in the ongoing Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls in Sribhumi, where many individuals—particularly those serving outside the district—are being excluded from the voter list. Congress leaders termed this a “systematic process of voter deletion,” warning that many legitimate voters may lose their franchise.

BJP Rejects Allegations

The Bharatiya Janata Party has strongly refuted the allegations. BJP leader Subrata Bhattacharjee said the Congress is “needlessly giving a communal colour” to a routine administrative exercise.

Bhattacharjee pointed out that the list also includes two Hindu officers, and argued that those replaced are all government employees, not BJP workers.

“Congress always resorts to communal politics. It is wrong to divide government staff on the basis of religion. None of the newly appointed officers are BJP workers,” he said.

Dispute Over Voter List Practices

Meanwhile, the Congress has intensified its criticism of the SR process in Sribhumi, claiming that names of people posted outside the district on official duty are being struck off from voter rolls, despite clear guidelines that such individuals remain eligible voters.

The party alleged that the administration has failed to follow proper procedures during verification, leading to rising dissatisfaction among affected residents.

Political Temperature Rising

With both parties standing firm on their positions, the issue has added significant political heat in Karimganj district. As the voter list revision continues, further confrontation between the Congress and BJP seems likely, making the upcoming electoral preparation process increasingly contentious.

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