
Wed Nov 19 09:10:04 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article written from that summary:
Summary:
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has publicly criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the death of a Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Jalpaiguri. Banerjee alleges that the BLO, an anganwadi worker, died by suicide due to the immense pressure of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. She claims that the accelerated SIR process, rushed ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, has created an “inhuman” workload for field workers and has already resulted in 28 deaths. Banerjee urged the ECI to suspend the revision immediately, citing the stress and overwork imposed on BLOs. The TMC has accused the ECI of overburdening BLOs with field verification in the lead-up to the elections.
News Article:
West Bengal CM Blames Election Commission for BLO Death, Alleges “Inhuman” Pressure
Kolkata, India – November 19, 2025 – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a scathing critique of the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing the body of imposing undue pressure on electoral workers, leading to a tragic death. Banerjee claims a Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Jalpaiguri, an anganwadi worker, died by suicide due to the intense strain of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
“Such precious lives are being lost because of the unplanned, relentless workload imposed by the so-called Election Commission of India,” Banerjee stated in a post on X. “A process that earlier took three years is now being forced into two months on the eve of elections to please political masters, putting inhuman pressure on BLOs.”
Banerjee further alleged that 28 deaths have occurred since the SIR began, attributing them to the fear, stress, and overwhelming workload placed on field workers. She called for an immediate halt to the revision process, warning that more lives could be lost if the current pace continues.
The ruling TMC party has repeatedly criticized the ECI for allegedly advancing deadlines and burdening BLOs with excessive field verification tasks in preparation for the 2026 Assembly elections. The party claims workers have collapsed due to exhaustion from long hours and demanding travel schedules.
The ECI has yet to respond to Chief Minister Banerjee’s accusations.