Digital Goa, June 13 – The Office of the Deputy Collector & SDM, Panaji, has kept in abeyance the appointment of 28 new Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in the 11-Panaji Assembly Constituency, following a directive from the District Election Officer. Earlier BLOs will be retained, and those appointed under the April 17 order have been asked to return to their parent departments. Heads of Departments have been instructed not to relieve officers as per the earlier order. The move follows concerns raised by former Panaji Mayor Surendra Furtado and politician and ex-bureaucrat Elvis Gomes, who alleged possibility of voter roll manipulation further questioning as to why only Panaji saw replacements. They had also alleged that several new BLOs were close to the local MLA. Complaints were also filed with the Election Commission in this regards. Meanwhile, the CEO has issued a press releasing refuting the allegations and and affirming strict verification norms.
