Archive · 29 Nov 2025
TMC Accuses EC Over SIR Deaths
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal had a meeting with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to talk about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.
The TMC said that 39 people, including four Booth Level Officers (BLOs), have died because of the stress and pressure from the SIR work.
They also said that the process is unfair and targets certain people.
The ECI, however, said that the TMC is wrong and that the process is necessary to make sure only the right people can vote.
The ECI also said they are taking steps to protect the BLOs.
The TMC and the ECI have different opinions on what is happening and who is responsible.
The TMC wants the ECI to stop the SIR process, but the ECI says it will continue.
Both sides are arguing, and it is not clear who is right.
TMC delegation met with ECI to allege 39 deaths, including 4 BLOs, due to SIR-related stress and pressure.
ECI rebutted TMC's claims, stating that the stress faced by BLOs is due to political and administrative pressure from the TMC.
TMC argues that the SIR process is unplanned, heartless, and targets specific communities, while ECI maintains it is a standard process to update voter rolls.
ECI has taken steps to safeguard BLOs, including appointing a special roll observer and directing police to ensure their security.
TMC has initiated an internal overhaul to tighten supervision of the SIR at the grassroots level, with senior leaders dispatched for on-ground monitoring.
- Who
- Trinamool Congress (TMC) delegation, Election Commission of India (ECI), Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, BLOs, and political parties in West Bengal
- What
- A meeting between TMC and ECI regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with TMC alleging deaths and pressure on BLOs, and ECI rebutting the claims
- When
- Friday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Delhi (meeting location), West Bengal (context of the issue)
- Why
- To address TMC's concerns over the SIR process, alleged deaths and pressure on BLOs, and to ensure the neutrality and fairness of the electoral revision process
Trinamool Congress (TMC)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Election Commission of India (ECI)
SIR Process and Its Impact
Trinamool Congress (TMC)
TMC alleges that the SIR process is unplanned, heartless, and has led to the deaths of 39 people, including four BLOs, due to excessive pressure and inadequate support. They claim the process is targeting Bengalis and is politically motivated.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Election Commission of India (ECI)
BJP and ECI reject these allegations, stating that the stress faced by BLOs is due to political and administrative pressure from the TMC, not the ECI's directives. The ECI emphasizes that the process is necessary to ensure only Indian citizens vote.
Responsibility for BLOs' Well-being
Trinamool Congress (TMC)
TMC argues that the ECI and CEC are responsible for the deaths and illnesses of BLOs, alleging insufficient training, support, and unrealistic deadlines.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Election Commission of India (ECI)
ECI maintains that it has taken steps to safeguard BLOs, including appointing a special roll observer, directing police to ensure their security, and instructing the TMC not to influence or threaten BLOs.
Purpose and Fairness of SIR
Trinamool Congress (TMC)
TMC questions the real purpose of SIR, alleging it is biased and targeting specific communities. They argue that the electoral rolls used in the 2024 elections should still be valid.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Election Commission of India (ECI)
ECI asserts that the SIR is a standard process to update voter rolls and ensure their accuracy, and that only Indian citizens are entitled to vote. They have directed the TMC not to interfere with the independent functioning of BLOs.
- Date of TMC-EC Meeting
- Friday (specific date not mentioned)
- Number of Deaths Alleged by TMC
- 39 (including 4 BLOs)
- Number of BLOs Hospitalized
- 15
- States Undergoing SIR
- 12 states and Union Territories, including West Bengal and Tamil Nadu
- Draft Electoral Rolls Publication Date
- December 9
- Final Electoral Rolls Publication Date
- February 7
- TMC Delegation Size
- 10 members (5 Lok Sabha and 5 Rajya Sabha MPs)
- ECI's Response to TMC
- Point-by-point rebuttal, directive to not influence BLOs, appointment of special roll observer
Sources
Mamata to address Gazole rally on 3 December
SIR in West Bengal: TMC claims 40 deaths so far, says EC chief has ‘blood on his hands’
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
‘Mamata, Abhishek will not accept SIR if even one genuine voter is deleted’: TMC MP
