There is finally some relief for both voters and Booth Level Officers (BLOs). The BLO App has introduced a new option that allows a BLO to re-verify voter details when discrepancies appear between old voter lists (such as 2002) and current records (2025).
This update mainly addresses name changes, spelling mismatches, and relationship (father/mother) inconsistencies that caused many voter forms to be returned in the BLO App. Earlier, many people feared that such mismatches would automatically result in hearing notices. However, with proper BLO verification, the chance of receiving a notice is now significantly reduced—though not officially guaranteed by the Commission.
Why Are Voter Forms Being Returned in the BLO App?
The main reason is data mismatch between historical voter rolls and updated voter records.
Common Examples of Mismatches
- In 2002, a voter’s name was recorded as “Bikash Kumar Mondal”
- In 2025, the name appears as “Bikash Mondal” (the word “Kumar” removed)
Although the person is the same, the system flags it as a logical discrepancy.
Similarly:
- Father’s name changed from “Amit Das” (2002) to “Amit Kumar Das” (2025)
- English spelling errors such as:
- Bikas instead of Vikas
- Bimal instead of Vimal
Because the BLO App relies heavily on 2002 data for mapping, these changes cause automatic mismatches.
New Feature in the BLO App: “Re-Verify Logical Discrepancies”
To resolve these issues, the BLO App now includes a new option called:
“Re-Verify Logical Discrepancies”
When a BLO taps this option:
- All returned voter records appear in a list
- The BLO can select any voter
- The exact reason for mismatch is displayed
Understanding a Real Example
Let’s take a sample voter:
- Voter Name: Sourav Porel
- Father’s Name (2025): Gurupada Porel
- Father’s Name (2002): Gurupada Podel (English spelling error)
In Bengali records, the spelling is correct.
However, in English:
- Porel became Podel due to a data entry error
The system flags this as a mismatch, even though the person is clearly the same.
What Does the BLO Need to Do?
The BLO must confirm that both names refer to the same individual.
Steps for BLO Verification
- Select the voter from the discrepancy list
- View the mismatch details
- Upload:
- Supporting document(s)
- BLO confirmation / undertaking letter
- Submit verification in the app
Once completed, the discrepancy is treated as resolved.
What Supporting Documents Are Required?
Acceptable Supporting Documents (Any One)
- PAN Card (front & back)
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Any government document other than Voter ID
These documents must clearly show:
- Correct name spelling
- Correct father/mother name (as per 2025 record)
BLO Confirmation Letter (Very Important)
The BLO must upload an undertaking letter stating:
- The voter was physically verified
- The name or spelling mismatch exists
- The individual is the same person
- Only spelling or naming format has changed
This form includes:
- Voter name
- EPIC number
- Part number
- Serial number
- BLO signature and verification note
⚠️ This form is NOT for the voter.
It is strictly for BLO use only.
Cases Where Father/Mother Mapping Is Used (Progeny Voters)
Some voters did not exist in the 2002 voter list, but their:
- Father
- Mother
- Grandfather
- Grandmother
were listed.
These voters mapped their SIR form using a parent’s name.
Example:
- Father’s name in 2002: Amit Das
- Father’s name in 2025: Amit Kumar Das
The BLO must verify that both names refer to the same individual and upload:
- Proof of relationship
- BLO verification form
Will Hearing Notices Still Be Issued?
👉 The Election Commission has not officially said notices will stop.
However:
- If the BLO completes proper verification
- Uploads correct documents
- Submits confirmation
➡️ The probability of a hearing notice becomes very low
This is a preventive verification mechanism, not a punishment process.
Who Needs to Take Action?
For General Voters
✅ Nothing directly
You may only be asked to provide supporting documents if contacted by the BLO.
For BLOs
✅ Extra responsibility
You must:
- Verify discrepancies carefully
- Upload correct documents
- Submit confirmation truthfully
Common Spelling Errors Observed
Some frequent issues include:
- Vikas → Bikas
- Bimal → Vimal
- Porel → Podel
- Added or removed middle names like Kumar
These are data entry issues, not identity issues.
