– Shabana Javed
Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticised the Election Commission of India holding it responsible for the reported deaths of 28 people since the launch of the Special Revision (SIR) of voter lists in West Bengal. She alleged that the Commission’s “unplanned and hurried” decisions have created unbearable pressure on ground-level workers and triggered widespread fear among citizens.
The ECI initiated the SIR process in late October. Officials clarified that individuals whose names, or whose family members’ names, appear in the 2002 voter list do not need to worry. Despite this assurance, fear and confusion continue to spread in several districts. Mamata claimed that thousands of people remain unsure about the process.
According to the CM, multiple suicides have been reported since the SIR began, allegedly driven by fear of deportation or name removal from voter lists. Local groups also claim that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are being burdened with excessive workloads, causing mental stress and, in some cases, pushing them toward extreme actions. On Wednesday, the body of a female BLO was found hanging in Malbazar. Her family alleged that the overwhelming pressure of SIR duties contributed to her suicide. The incident has intensified debate across the state, with Opposition parties and civil society organisations demanding accountability.
Mamata accused the Commission of beginning the process without proper planning, causing immense stress among workers and endangering lives. She further claimed that tasks that previously required three years are now being rushed within two months due to political motives. She described the SIR as an “extreme and unnecessary decision” that has put ordinary citizens, as well as frontline officials, at risk.
Mamata urged the ECI to immediately review and ease the SIR process. She warned that failure to act promptly may lead to more serious consequences for the state.
