Archive · 28 Nov 2025
TMC Accuses ECI of BLO Deaths
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) sent a group of leaders to meet with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to talk about the deaths of several Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who were working on updating the voter lists in West Bengal.
The TMC says these BLOs died because they were under too much pressure to finish their work on time.
The ECI did not agree and said the TMC's claims were baseless and politically motivated.
The TMC wants the ECI to release all the evidence they have, but the ECI says they are following the rules and have ordered police protection for the BLOs.
The TMC also thinks the ECI is trying to remove certain voters from the list, but the ECI says they are just making sure the list is accurate.
Both sides are arguing, and the ECI says the voter list will be updated by February 7, 2024.
TMC delegation met with ECI to discuss BLO deaths linked to SIR exercise in West Bengal.
TMC claims 41 BLO deaths, with 17-18 directly linked to SIR process and inhuman deadlines.
ECI dismissed deaths as baseless and politically motivated, defending SIR as a routine exercise.
TMC demands release of full CCTV footage and all evidence, accusing ECI of selective leaks.
ECI ordered police protection for BLOs and clarified that the SIR process is constitutionally mandated.
- Who
- Trinamool Congress (TMC) delegation led by Derek O’Brien and the Election Commission of India (ECI)
- What
- Meeting to address BLO deaths and SIR issues, with accusations and rebuttals from both sides
- When
- Friday, November 28
- Where
- Delhi
- Why
- To raise concerns about the SIR exercise and BLO fatalities, and to defend the ECI's actions
Trinamool Congress (TMC)
Election Commission of India (ECI)
BLO Deaths and Responsibility
Trinamool Congress (TMC)
TMC claims 41 BLO deaths are linked to the SIR exercise, alleging inhuman deadlines and extreme pressure, with the ECI chief bearing responsibility.
Election Commission of India (ECI)
ECI calls the charges baseless, unfounded, and politically motivated, stating the SIR is a routine, constitutionally-mandated exercise.
Transparency and Evidence
Trinamool Congress (TMC)
TMC demands the release of full CCTV footage and all evidence, accusing the ECI of selective leaks and outright lies.
Election Commission of India (ECI)
ECI defends its actions, stating it follows constitutional and electoral laws, and has ordered police protection for BLOs.
Political Motivation
Trinamool Congress (TMC)
TMC alleges the SIR is a BJP-orchestrated conspiracy to delete Bengali and minority voters from the rolls.
Election Commission of India (ECI)
ECI denies political motivation, emphasizing the need to remove bogus or ineligible entries, including foreign nationals.
- Organization
- Trinamool Congress (TMC)
- Delegation Leader
- Derek O’Brien
- Meeting Body
- Election Commission of India (ECI)
- Meeting Date
- Friday, November 28
- Delegation Size
- 10 members
- Controversy
- SIR of electoral rolls in West Bengal
- BLO Deaths
- 41 reported, 17-18 linked to SIR
- BLO Workload
- Unbearable pressure and technical issues
- ECI Response
- Defended SIR as routine, ordered police protection for BLOs
- Draft Electoral Roll Release
- December 9
- Final Electoral Roll Release
- February 7, 2024
Sources
Delhi Confidential: Meet Mystery
CEC Gyanesh Kumar and team have ‘blood on their hands’: TMC delegation slams ECI for BLO fatalities during SIR exercise
Bengal BLO deaths raise questions over SIR workload, app failures and the hurried process
West Bengal: BLO dies of cardiac arrest, family alleges he was overworked due to SIR
‘Blood on your hands’: TMC slams EC chief over ‘39 SIR deaths’ in Bengal, claims Bengalis targeted
SIR row in Bengal escalates as ECI rebuts TMC charges, tells party not to ‘influence or threaten’ BLOs
SIR in West Bengal: TMC claims 40 deaths so far, says EC chief has ‘blood on his hands’
Abhishek accuses EC of ‘selective leaks’, demands release of all evidence linked to Bengal SIR
'Politically Motivated': Poll Body On Trinamool's 'Blood On Hands' Remark
