Congress alleges that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is putting severe strain on Booth Level Officers (BLOs), claiming multiple deaths linked to workload and pressure. Party calls for urgent intervention and review of the process.

The Congress on Friday raised serious concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the process has placed unbearable pressure on Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and supervisory staff across several states.

In a strongly worded post on social media, the party described SIR as a “death trap for BLOs,” claiming that extended working hours, unrealistic targets, and administrative pressure have resulted in multiple fatalities. According to Congress, some officials deployed on SIR duty reportedly died due to health complications or suicide, unable to cope with the workload.

The post cited three incidents as examples:

• A BLO in Gir, Gujarat, allegedly died by suicide after struggling to manage the workload.

• In Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, an officer reportedly ended his life after being threatened with suspension.

• Another Uttar Pradesh BLO is said to have attempted suicide, claiming coercion to remove names of OBC voters from the electoral roll.

Congress claimed that over 25 such cases have emerged, though the figure has not been independently verified. Officials and family members, the party said, have written to the Election Commission alleging 16–18 hour work days, intimidation, and mental stress.

Referring to the exercise as “Special Intrusive Rigging,” Congress accused the Centre of manipulating the voter revision process—an allegation that has not been corroborated by authorities.

Independent observers note that while maintaining updated voter records is critical for ensuring clean elections, the administrative burden must not compromise the health and safety of field officers. Experts suggest that more structured timelines, additional manpower, and mental health support could help ease the pressure during large-scale revisions.

Unless investigated and addressed promptly, such allegations risk shaking public confidence in electoral procedures just months ahead of major polls