Kapil Sibal Questions Government's Response to BLO Deaths Amid SIR Exercise

Concerns Raised Over BLO Deaths

New Delhi: On Monday, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal criticized the government regarding the fatalities of booth-level officers (BLOs) involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He questioned the government's priorities, asking if the presence of one alleged 'infiltrator' was deemed unacceptable while the deaths of BLOs were overlooked.

Sibal's comments followed the discovery of a deceased BLO in Bankura district, West Bengal, raising concerns that the stress from the SIR exercise might have contributed to the tragedy.

He expressed his outrage on social media, stating, "Another suicide by a Bengal BLO. Total across India: 33. If one alleged 'ghuspetia' (infiltrator) is not okay, then is it acceptable for 33 BLOs to die?"

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had previously asserted that the government would expel infiltrators and accused certain political factions of opposing the SIR exercise to keep infiltrators on the electoral rolls.

The recent BLO death occurred in the Ranibandh block of West Bengal, where Haradhan Mandal's body was found on school grounds. Authorities reported the presence of a suicide note.

According to police, Mandal, who was also a schoolteacher, served as the BLO for Booth No. 206 in the Rajakata area. The note indicated his struggle with the pressures associated with his role.

BLOs are crucial to the SIR process, which is currently being implemented in 12 states and Union territories after its initial phase in Bihar.