Rahul Gandhi has alleged widespread “chaos” due to the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, claiming 16 Booth Level Officers died from work-related stress. He called the exercise an “imposed tyranny” and a “conspiracy” to protect those in power. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (ANI photo) Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday alleged that “chaos” has gripped the country in the name of the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, claiming that 16 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have died due to work-related stress.The SIR exercise is currently under way in nine States and three Union Territories. Its first phase was conducted in Bihar ahead of the State’s Assembly elections.EC To Launch SIR in 12 States and UTs in Phase 2, CEC Gyanesh Kumar Says Zero Complaints in Bihar“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,” Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X in Hindi.“SIR is a calculated ploy – where citizens are being harassed and the deaths of BLOs from unnecessary pressure are dismissed as ‘collateral damage.’ This is not a failure, it’s a conspiracy – a sacrifice of democracy to protect those in power,” the Congress MP alleged.A media report shared by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stated that 16 BLOs have died across six States — four each in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, three in West Bengal, two in Rajasthan, and one each in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.Following the death of a BLO in West Bengal that triggered a political dispute, governor CV Ananda Bose on Sunday said that the passing of Shanti Muni Ekka, who allegedly died by suicide due to “unbearable pressure” from SIR-related duties, would be examined thoroughly.“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. All these issues can be examined properly and appropriate solutions found, but what is required is free and fair elections in this country,” the governor said.The final electoral roll is scheduled to be published on February 7, 2026.The States and Union Territories currently undergoing SIR include Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Rahul Gandhi’s X post on SIR Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress will hold an internal review meeting on November 24, chaired by party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. The meeting will focus on SIR-related assessments, improvements across districts, and ensuring that no voter names are omitted.Chief minister Mamata Banerjee is also scheduled to meet members of the Matua community in Bongaon, North 24 Parganas, on November 25.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 MediaVideos‘Extensive Misinformation’: French Navy Slams Pakistan Media Report Over Op Sindoor ClaimsModi Pitches New Era Of Unified Global Response With Satellite Data And Minerals Initiative”Govt Is Making Sure Muslims Never Raise Their Heads”: Jamiat Chief On Al-Falah ActionIAF Officer Namansh Syal Flown Back to India After Tejas Jet Crash in Dubai Air ShowShah Rukh Khan Pays Tribute To Victims Of Pahalgam And Delhi Blasts at Global Peace Honours 2025Piyush Goyal Completes Three Day Israel Visit Emphasizing Strengthened Ties And Future CooperationTrump Says He Brokered Eight Peace Deals Including India And Pakistan During Mamdani MeetUP Gears Up For Biggest Crackdown Yet As CM Yogi Mandates Detention Hubs For Illegal ImmigrantsModi, Meloni Share Warm Laughter on G20 Sidelines in Johannesburg‘In memory of our brothers’: Russian Pilot’s Heartfelt Note For Indian Tejas Pilot After Dubai Crash123Photostories7 beautiful night-blooming flowers with invigorating fragranceMeet the actress whose debut was a massive flop, then delivered India’s first Rs 1000-crore blockbuster11 incredible things about rhinos that will surprise youLionel Messi and wife Antonela’s top 5 parenting tipsFake vs real Sabyasachi lehenga: Tips to identify an authentic designer piece this wedding season10 best places in the US to see fall foliageInside Madurai’s New International Hockey Stadium: How Tamil Nadu Is Preparing for the Junior World CupMaharashtra’s Thakurli flyover revival — how the long-delayed link could transform daily travel10 benefits of drinking lemon juice with black salt every morning5 cute small dog breeds that stay tiny forever123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayBihar Minister List 2025Bihar CM Oath CeremonyGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingAuston Matthews InjuryKim KardashianBrittany MahomesTaylor SwiftDelhi School AdmissionsSmriti MandhanaJosh Allen InjuryCharvarius WardFortnite Chapter 7 LeakedCade Cunningham
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (ANI photo)
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday alleged that “chaos” has gripped the country in the name of the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, claiming that 16 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have died due to work-related stress.The SIR exercise is currently under way in nine States and three Union Territories. Its first phase was conducted in Bihar ahead of the State’s Assembly elections.
“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,” Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X in Hindi.“SIR is a calculated ploy – where citizens are being harassed and the deaths of BLOs from unnecessary pressure are dismissed as ‘collateral damage.’ This is not a failure, it’s a conspiracy – a sacrifice of democracy to protect those in power,” the Congress MP alleged.A media report shared by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stated that 16 BLOs have died across six States — four each in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, three in West Bengal, two in Rajasthan, and one each in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.Following the death of a BLO in West Bengal that triggered a political dispute, governor CV Ananda Bose on Sunday said that the passing of Shanti Muni Ekka, who allegedly died by suicide due to “unbearable pressure” from SIR-related duties, would be examined thoroughly.“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. All these issues can be examined properly and appropriate solutions found, but what is required is free and fair elections in this country,” the governor said.The final electoral roll is scheduled to be published on February 7, 2026.The States and Union Territories currently undergoing SIR include Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
Rahul Gandhi’s X post on SIR
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress will hold an internal review meeting on November 24, chaired by party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. The meeting will focus on SIR-related assessments, improvements across districts, and ensuring that no voter names are omitted.Chief minister Mamata Banerjee is also scheduled to meet members of the Matua community in Bongaon, North 24 Parganas, on November 25.
