West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has described the ongoing Special Intensive Revision as “unplanned, chaotic, and dangerous,” citing the deaths of multiple booth-level officers. She expressed grave concerns to the CEC about the alarming situation, alleging a lack of preparedness and pushing BLOs beyond human limits, risking voter roll credibility. NEW DELHI: Describing the ongoing Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal as “unplanned, chaotic, and dangerous,” chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday that the situation had reached an “alarming stage” following the deaths of multiple booth-level officers (BLOs), including an anganwadi worker in Jalpaiguri.In a letter addressed to CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Banerjee said she had “time and again flagged my serious concerns” but had now been “compelled to write” as the situation had deteriorated sharply.Also read: BLO found hanging, husband blames SIR stress, files FIRShe wrote that the manner in which the EC had pushed the SIR onto officials and residents was “not only unplanned and chaotic, but also dangerous”, alleging the absence of basic preparedness, clear communication, or adequate planning.According to her, the process has been “crippled from day one” by poor training, confusion over mandatory documentation, and the near impossibility of meeting voters during their work hours. She warned that the credibility of the voter roll itself was at risk, saying BLOs were being forced to work “far beyond human limits” while balancing their principal duties as teachers and frontline workers. Banerjee said most BLOs were struggling with online submissions because of server failures and repeated data mismatches, making it “almost certain” that accurate voter data could not be uploaded by the 4 December deadline. She added that many BLOs, under fear of punitive action, were being pushed to submit incorrect entries, “risking disenfranchisement of genuine voters”.Mamata’s letter came after, Shanti Muni Ekka, had repeatedly asked to be relieved from duties but was denied, her family said. Her inability to read or write Bengali and the need to visit tea garden workers late at night had left her “mentally devastated”, according to her son. Another BLO died earlier this month after a stroke allegedly linked to pressure to meet distribution targets.Earlier, on Wednesday the West Bengal CM had condemned what she describes as the “inhuman” pressure placed on field workers, following the death of a BLO in Jalpaiguri. She claimed 28 personnel have died since the SIR began and urged the ECI to suspend the drive, though opposition parties have dismissed her allegations.The national revision exercise, now in its second phase, has seen more than 50 crore enumeration forms distributed across 12 states and Union territories.The Election Commission of India (ECI) has urged the Nadia administration in West Bengal to complete digitising records from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by 26 November, as the state advances its preparations for forthcoming elections. According to officials, West Bengal has 7.66 crore electors, with 99.72 per cent of Enumeration Forms already distributed and digitisation completed for 1.48 crore forms.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPiyush Goyal Links India, Israel Through Shared Adversities, Predicts 7% Percent GDP Growth For FY26Bangladesh Backs India On Delhi Blast At Security Dialogue As Sheikh Hasina Exile Tensions IntensifyBengaluru Cash Van Robbed Of ₹7 Crore After Fake RBI Officers Trick Staff In A Filmy-Style HeistNSA Ajit Doval Declares Regional Stability And Security India’s Duty At Colombo Security DialogueMarking a Political Milestone, Nitish Kumar Sworn In as Bihar CM for the 10th TimeIndian Navy Sends Strong Signal To Beijing As China Offers Submarines to Pakistan, Assures ReadinessUS Approves Major Arms Deal For India With Javelins And Excalibur To Counter Regional Threats”We Are Done…” Trump Recalls Critical Modi Call That Averted India-Pakistan Nuclear ClashNitish Kumar To Take CM Oath For Record 10th Time At Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, PM Modi To AttendBangladesh To Seek Interpol’s Help To Extradite Sheikh Hasina From India123PhotostoriesTimeless Divya Bharti films that showcase her unforgettable screen magic5 home remedies for period cramps in teenage girls that parents can tryWhat’s changing at Mumbai’s iconic Shivaji Park? BMC floats tender for major revamp8 animals that look earless but hear through hidden adaptations8 easy exercises for kids to do at homeMumbai–Delhi high-speed dream on pause: WR insists on full Kavach safety firstCristiano Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodríguez is a true fitness role model: Want her glow? Try these 5 fitness moves6 Indian dishes among the 100 Best Chicken Dishes in the WorldSonam Kapoor dresses like late Princess Diana to announce second pregnancy7 emotional wounds of childhood parents may fail to recognize123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayBihar Minister List 2025Bihar CM Oath CeremonyGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingTrevon DiggsTom BradyMLB SignsDraymond GreenCanara Bank Manager RobberyFortnite DownTop Stock RecommendationsGold Silver Price PredictionStefon DiggsBaker Mayfield Wife
NEW DELHI: Describing the ongoing Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal as “unplanned, chaotic, and dangerous,” chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday that the situation had reached an “alarming stage” following the deaths of multiple booth-level officers (BLOs), including an anganwadi worker in Jalpaiguri.In a letter addressed to CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Banerjee said she had “time and again flagged my serious concerns” but had now been “compelled to write” as the situation had deteriorated sharply.Also read: BLO found hanging, husband blames SIR stress, files FIRShe wrote that the manner in which the EC had pushed the SIR onto officials and residents was “not only unplanned and chaotic, but also dangerous”, alleging the absence of basic preparedness, clear communication, or adequate planning.According to her, the process has been “crippled from day one” by poor training, confusion over mandatory documentation, and the near impossibility of meeting voters during their work hours. She warned that the credibility of the voter roll itself was at risk, saying BLOs were being forced to work “far beyond human limits” while balancing their principal duties as teachers and frontline workers. Banerjee said most BLOs were struggling with online submissions because of server failures and repeated data mismatches, making it “almost certain” that accurate voter data could not be uploaded by the 4 December deadline. She added that many BLOs, under fear of punitive action, were being pushed to submit incorrect entries, “risking disenfranchisement of genuine voters”.Mamata’s letter came after, Shanti Muni Ekka, had repeatedly asked to be relieved from duties but was denied, her family said. Her inability to read or write Bengali and the need to visit tea garden workers late at night had left her “mentally devastated”, according to her son. Another BLO died earlier this month after a stroke allegedly linked to pressure to meet distribution targets.Earlier, on Wednesday the West Bengal CM had condemned what she describes as the “inhuman” pressure placed on field workers, following the death of a BLO in Jalpaiguri. She claimed 28 personnel have died since the SIR began and urged the ECI to suspend the drive, though opposition parties have dismissed her allegations.The national revision exercise, now in its second phase, has seen more than 50 crore enumeration forms distributed across 12 states and Union territories.The Election Commission of India (ECI) has urged the Nadia administration in West Bengal to complete digitising records from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by 26 November, as the state advances its preparations for forthcoming elections. According to officials, West Bengal has 7.66 crore electors, with 99.72 per cent of Enumeration Forms already distributed and digitisation completed for 1.48 crore forms.
