BLO’s Audio Message Alleging Extreme SIR Pressure Sparks Alarm in Kerala

Kottayam: A shocking voice message allegedly from a Booth Level Officer (BLO) has surfaced, claiming that extreme pressure from the Election Commission and officials over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list could drive him to suicide.

The message is attributed to Antony Varghese, the BLO of Booth No. 110 in Mundakayam Panchayat, and was reportedly shared in a WhatsApp group of BLOs and officials.

In the audio, Antony says he is unable to cope with the mounting workload and mental strain, asserting that if anything happens to him, the Election Commission would be responsible. He also expresses fear that he might either harm someone or be harmed himself.

Key Excerpts from the Audio Message:

“I am under severe mental stress because of the SIR work. For a week, I went door-to-door giving forms as instructed. Many voters return the forms unfilled, and I have to fill in even their basic details. I am asked to retrieve data from 2002. We are not paid even a small amount for this. We are not provided any necessary tools—no internet, no mobile phone. The Election Commission and officials are exploiting us physically and mentally.”

"My mental state is collapsing. Either I will kill someone, or someone will kill me. Please allow me to step away from this job. I am saying this because I can’t bear it anymore. They say digitisation can be done in one minute — that can only be said by people sitting in air-conditioned rooms. They have no idea how hard it is for those of us walking outside in the scorching heat. The SIR has ruined my life. I will go to the village office or the collectorate and consume poison. If I die by suicide, the Election Commission and the SIR will be responsible,” the BLO says.

Recently, Aneesh George, a BLO from Ettukudukka in Karivellur, died by suicide allegedly due to job-related stress linked to the SIR process. However, the State Chief Electoral Officer had earlier stated that no undue pressure was being imposed on BLOs.