Pune, Nov. 22 (LatestNewsX) – The Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused the Election Commission of favouring a single political group while rushing the “Special Intensive Revision” (SIR) process in the state. TMC officials argued that the commission’s rapid pace is squeezing Booth Level Officers (BLOs) under unrealistic deadlines.
A delegation headed by state minister Aroop Biswas went to the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer’s office to lodge a formal complaint. Biswas claimed that the commission is forcing BLOs to complete two years’ worth of work in just two months, a schedule that the TMC believes pressures the officers to the point of danger.
Speaking to reporters, Biswas added, “The work of 2 years is being done in 2 months. The Commission is allegedly trying to give an advantage to a political party. The names of 150 to 200 voters are being deliberately deleted from each booth. The Commission’s website is full of mistakes. Several people are dying due to the Commission’s negligence.” He was accompanied by state minister Chandrima Bhattacharya and MP Partha Bhowmick.
According to the TMC, many BLOs are performing their duties without adequate training. Bhattacharya also said that 34 people in West Bengal have died because of the anxiety surrounding SIR, demanding the commission take responsibility. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier written to the Election Commissioner urging that the SIR be halted, citing the officers’ hardships and poor infrastructure, and warning that ordinary citizens would suffer.
The TMC’s criticism grew sharper after two female BLOs committed suicide and others fell ill amid SIR work. In the morning of Saturday, Rinku Tarafdar, 51, from the Shasthitala area of Krishnanagar, took her own life; a note blamed the Election Commission. On November 19, Shanti Muni Ekka of the Mal Bazar area in Jalpaiguri also died by suicide, reportedly overwhelmed by the pressure. That same day, another BLO, Tapati Biswas, suffered a cerebral attack while working on SIR tasks.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
