Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, requesting an immediate halt to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state, citing extreme work pressure on Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
In her three-page letter, Banerjee described the situation as “inhuman,” stating, “BLOs are operating far beyond human limits. Instead of support, extending timelines, or addressing systemic flaws, the office of CEO West Bengal has resorted to intimidation.” She urged the Election Commission to intervene decisively, stop coercive measures, provide proper training, and reassess the methodology and timelines.
Banerjee also criticised the lack of planning and poor communication in the SIR process, calling it “unplanned, chaotic, and dangerous,” adding that the absence of basic preparedness had “crippled the process from day one.”
The letter follows a tragic incident in Jalpaiguri district, where a BLO was found dead at her residence. Her family alleged that the death was linked to immense stress caused by SIR duties.
The CEC is reviewing Banerjee’s letter and will issue a detailed reply. Additional officers may be deployed to support BLOs if necessary, as has been done in other states.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
