Reports emerged on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, highlighting a growing crisis as India poll workers suicide cases rise during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Booth-level officers face an extreme workload in updating voter lists across multiple states.
The Election Commission launched the SIR on November 4 in 12 states and territories. Officials conduct house-to-house verification to add eligible voters and remove ineligible names from the voter rolls. A New Delhi think tank reported at least 33 deaths among election staff since the start. At least nine involved suicide, with notes citing voter roll revision pressure.
BLO Suicides SIR India
Booth-level officers handle door-to-door enumeration. They collect forms, photos, and documents before uploading data.
Many BLOs juggle regular jobs as teachers or government employees. Complaints focus on tight deadlines and technical issues. One officer in Uttar Pradesh left a note stating he could not meet targets despite working day and night. Another in West Bengal blamed the inhumane pressure.
Sapan Mondal from the Election Staff and Booth Level Officer Forum stated that no proper training had occurred. BLOs received only brief sessions. The ECI called the work normal. Spokesman Apurva Kumar Singh said it does not overburden staff.
Election Staff Deaths India
Deaths include heart attacks, strokes, and collapses on duty. Families link cases to stress from SIR tasks.
In Uttar Pradesh, Vijay Kumar Verma collapsed while working and later died of a brain haemorrhage. Relatives said constant phone calls and late nights contributed.
Namita Hansda in West Bengal suffered a stroke on duty. Similar reports came from Bihar, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The ECI extended deadlines in some states. It doubled compensation to INR 1,000 and added incentives.
Voter Roll Revision Pressure
The SIR aims to clean electoral rolls ahead of the upcoming assembly polls. Critics allege it causes disproportionate removals in specific communities. Opposition leaders called the process oppressive. They demanded better staff support.
The ECI posted a video of officers dancing as a form of stress relief. It faced criticism as insensitive. Petitions against the SIR reached the courts. Groups like the Association for Democratic Reforms challenged the exercise.
Background of India Poll Workers Suicide Crisis
India maintains one of the world’s largest voter registries. Periodic revisions ensure accuracy. Past exercises saw workload complaints. The current SIR covers states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Kerala. BLOs form the grassroots network. They verify details for polling booths.
What’s Next
The crisis may prompt further extensions or support measures. Courts handle ongoing petitions. Families seek accountability and aid. The ECI continues the revision with draft rolls published in some states.
Observers monitor impacts on staff welfare and voter inclusion. The episode highlights the challenges of managing large-scale electoral updates. This India poll workers’ suicide trend highlights the risks of voter roll revision pressure on election staff deaths in India.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 17th, 2025
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