West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asked Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday to stop the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) immediately. She warned that the “unplanned and coercive drive” could endanger lives and weaken the credibility of the process.

Her three-page letter came after two Booth Level Officers (BLOs) died since the exercise began on November 4. A third BLO was hospitalised on Wednesday after suffering a stroke.

A senior Election Commission of India (ECI) official said, “We will examine the concerns flagged by the chief minister closely and issue a due response.”

BLOs Overworked and at Risk

Banerjee wrote, “I request you to intervene decisively to halt the ongoing exercise, stop coercion, provide proper training and support, and reassess the methodology and timelines. If not corrected immediately, the consequences for the system, officials, and citizens will be irreversible. This action is essential to protect the integrity of our electoral process.”

She called the exercise “chaotic and dangerous.” She added, “The lack of preparedness, planning, and clear communication has crippled the process from day one.”

Banerjee said BLOs lacked training and time to handle this massive task. As a result, they were pushed beyond human limits. She added, “Instead of offering support, the office of the CEO in West Bengal issued show-cause notices without justification.”

BJP Flags Security Issues

Meanwhile, the BJP wrote to West Bengal’s chief electoral officer. They claimed that district magistrates, also acting as district electoral officers, pressured BLOs to share personal OTPs for the BLO app.

“This is illegal, violates ECI norms, and compromises voter data security. BLO OTP is for individual use only and cannot be shared. BLOs work under fear and coercion, and this malpractice is spreading fast,” said BJP leader Shishir Bajoria.

BJP IT head Amit Malviya criticised Banerjee on X. He wrote, “Mamata Banerjee will continue to dramatise the SIR process because she fears losing in 2026. Her political survival depends on shielding a voter base built through illegal means. West Bengal will elect a Chief Minister in 2026, not someone acting like a provincial ruler.”

SIR Timeline and Elections

The SIR process began on October 27 for nine states and three Union territories. It ends on December 4. The first draft electoral roll will be published on December 9. West Bengal will hold assembly elections in March-April 2026.