Surat. The administration has accelerated preparations for the 2026 general elections of the Surat Municipal Corporation. In view of the election scheduled for April 26, the Returning Officer of the 161-Karanj Assembly constituency has planned the distribution of ballot slips through Booth Level Officers (BLOs), so that voters can easily identify their polling stations.
However, during this process, when some BLOs showed negligence in their duties, the administration adopted a strict stance. Rakesh Sorathia, BLO of part number 150 (Phoolpada-53) of the 161-Varachha Road Assembly, refused to collect ballot slips despite receiving information and did not report for duty.
Considering the seriousness of this matter, the Special Officer (Election and Census) of the Surat Municipal Corporation sent a written complaint to the Kamrej Police Station and directed the concerned employee to report immediately.
Similarly, action was taken against Girish Chaudhary, BLO of part number 135 (Phoolpada-38) of the 161 Assembly constituency, and a warrant was issued by the police.
After the police crackdown, both BLOs immediately reported for duty. The administration has made it clear that any negligence in election-related work will be taken seriously and strict action will be taken against those responsible.
