Mamata Urges CEC to Halt Voter Roll Revision in Bengal
CM cites “inhuman” pressure on officials after BLO death in Jalpaiguri
- Mamata Banerjee writes to CEC Gyanesh Kumar, seeks suspension of SIR exercise
- Allegations of coercion and excessive workload on Booth Level Officers
- BLO found dead in Jalpaiguri, family blames work stress
- ECI sources say training provided, additional support under consideration
GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 20th Nov: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, urging the Election Commission of India to immediately halt the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state, alleging “inhuman” workload and coercive measures against Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
In a detailed three-page letter sent on Thursday, Banerjee said BLOs were being pushed to operate “far beyond human limits” and accused the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, of intimidation rather than addressing operational shortcomings.
She called for a decisive intervention from the CEC to suspend the exercise, review the methodology, offer proper training, and extend necessary support to field officials.
Her appeal follows the death of a BLO in Jalpaiguri district this week. The officer’s family has alleged that excessive stress from SIR duties contributed to her death. The incident has intensified debates over workforce welfare in the revision process.
Banerjee criticised what she called a chaotic and poorly planned rollout of the programme, claiming the lack of preparedness and clear communication has “crippled the process from day one.”
While the CEC has not issued an official response yet, Election Commission sources told NDTV that comprehensive training has been provided to BLOs through the ECI’s training centre in Delhi and the state CEO’s office.
They also indicated that the Commission is open to deploying additional support staff, citing similar measures in Bihar where volunteers were engaged to reduce workload.
The SIR exercise, which includes distribution and digitisation of voter enumeration forms, is being carried out nationwide ahead of key electoral cycles.
