Kharge Criticizes BJP After Series of BLO Suicides Amid Election Roll Revision

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission of India (ECI) following alarming reports of multiple suicides among Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The situation escalated after a BLO in Kerala’s Kannur district took their life, a tragedy echoed by another incident in West Bengal.

Reports indicate that as many as 16 BLOs have died across six states while performing duties related to the SIR. Kharge described the circumstances as a “deadly turn” in what he labeled as BJP-led electoral malpractice, asserting that government policies are placing undue pressure on administrative staff.

In a post on social media platform X, Kharge expressed his condolences, stating, “The BJP’s vote theft has now taken a deadly turn. Overburdened with workload, BLOs and Polling Officers are being driven to suicide. To every family that has lost its loved ones, my deepest condolences.” He also raised concerns that the actual number of suicides may be higher than reported and criticized the ECI for its silence on the matter.

The SIR process has faced scrutiny for its rushed implementation, which Kharge likened to prior nationwide initiatives such as the demonetisation effort and the COVID-19 lockdown. He stated, “The hasty, forced implementation of SIR without any planning brings back memories of demonetization and the COVID lockdown.”

According to the report referenced in Kharge’s statement, the breakdown of suicides includes four each in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, three in West Bengal, two in Rajasthan, and one each in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Kharge emphasized that the BJP’s approach to elections is costing lives, framing the situation as a serious threat to democratic institutions. He urged the public to oppose the ongoing SIR exercise, stating, “Abusing power to force institutions into suicides, tearing the Constitution to shreds, and weakening democracy, this is the consequence of the BJP’s hunger for power.”

The remarks have intensified political tensions, particularly in West Bengal, where the death of BLO Shanti Muni Ekka has sparked demands for accountability. In response to these developments, C.V. Ananda Bose, the Governor of West Bengal, stated that the matter would be examined with caution and without political reaction. He remarked, “In such a situation, it is better to avoid a knee-jerk reaction. What the Chief Minister said has to be examined in detail. I am sure we have an Election Commission which is strong enough and has a balanced outlook,” emphasizing the importance of ensuring free and fair elections.

The Special Intensive Revision exercise is currently underway in 12 states and Union territories, having been successfully completed in Bihar before the Assembly elections there. The ongoing situation raises critical questions about the management of electoral processes and the well-being of those involved.