Rahul Gandhi Alleges ‘Nationwide Chaos’ During Special Intensive Revision; 16 BLOs Dead

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday alleged that "chaos" has been created nationwide under the guise of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He claimed that 16 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have died due to stress and overwork during the ongoing revision exercise.

The SIR process is currently underway in nine states and three Union Territories, with its first phase conducted in Bihar ahead of the assembly elections. The final electoral list is expected to be released in February 2026.

In a post on X written in Hindi, Rahul Gandhi said, "Under the guise of SIR, chaos has been unleashed across the country - the result? In three weeks, 16 BLOs have lost their lives. Heart attacks, stress, suicides - SIR is no reform, it's an imposed tyranny." He further alleged that SIR is a "calculated ploy" where citizens are being harassed, while the deaths of BLOs due to pressure are dismissed as "collateral damage." According to him, this is "not a failure but a conspiracy" meant to safeguard those in power at the cost of democracy.

The data shared from a media report posted by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated that the 16 deceased BLOs were from six states - four each from Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, three from West Bengal, two from Rajasthan, and one each from Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

In West Bengal, the death of BLO Shanti Muni Ekka, who allegedly died by suicide due to "unbearable pressure" linked to the SIR work, triggered a political row. Governor C.V. Ananda Bose said the matter would be examined thoroughly. "It is better to avoid a knee-jerk reaction. What the Chief Minister said must be examined in detail. The Election Commission is strong and balanced, and all issues can be reviewed to find proper solutions. What is required is free and fair elections in this country," he said.

The final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on February 7, 2026. The states and UTs involved in the SIR include Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress will conduct an internal meeting on November 24, chaired by party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, to review SIR-related issues, assess improvements across districts, and ensure no voter is left out. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also set to meet members of the Matua community in Bongaon, North 24 Parganas, on November 25.