What Happened to Another BLO in Bengal’s Malda?
Synopsis
A Booth Level Officer's tragic death raises serious concerns about work pressure related to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal. With allegations from the family highlighting the stress faced by these officials, the incident has sparked criticism towards the Election Commission and political responses. Will this bring about necessary changes?
Key Takeaways
A Booth Level Officer has died in Malda, raising alarm over work conditions.
Family claims her death was due to excessive work pressure from electoral duties.
Political responses have emerged, criticizing the Election Commission.
Calls for investigation into the work conditions for BLOs are increasing.
Kolkata, Jan 7 (NationPress) A tragic incident has occurred in West Bengal's Malda district as another Booth Level Officer (BLO) has passed away, with family members attributing her death to overwhelming work pressure associated with the current Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The victim has been recognized as Samprita Chowdhury Sanyal (48), who was an Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) worker and served as a BLO for booth number 163 in ward number 15 of the English Bazar Municipality. She succumbed early Wednesday morning at her home in the Phulbari Pakurtala area.
Family members reported that Sanyal was experiencing significant stress due to constant work demands, which were intensified by the ongoing cold wave. Her husband claimed that despite being ill and advised to rest by medical professionals, she could not take leave due to looming official deadlines.
“The work pressure was immense. Only BLOs understand the kind of strain they endure,” her husband, Ardhendu Chowdhury, stated to local media. “The office continually urged her to meet deadlines. This took a toll on her mental and physical health. She developed a severe cold while working outdoors. She could hardly talk. Although she improved slightly after treatment, she fell ill again once she resumed her field duties,” he elaborated.
In the aftermath of her passing, Trinamool Congress councillor Gayatri Ghosh, representing ward number 15, visited the grieving family and criticized the Election Commission.
“Just yesterday, she informed me that new regulations were being issued by the Election Commission almost daily, which amplified the pressure,” Ghosh remarked. “Her husband mentioned she struggled to sleep at night and often worked until 2-3 a.m. If the Commission fails to recognize the seriousness of this situation after so many fatalities, I am uncertain when they will. She lost her life at only 48 due to extreme pressure.”
Countering these allegations, Ajay Ganguly, president of the BJP’s South Malda organizational district, claimed the assertions were politically motivated.
“While this death is indeed tragic, it is inaccurate to suggest that BLOs are dying due to SIR work,” Ganguly stated. “Following our call for a CBI inquiry into previous deaths, such claims seemed to diminish. A thorough investigation into the actual causes is necessary. The Trinamool government is to blame for pressuring BLOs against removing names from the voter list,” Ganguly argued.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the concerns raised by the family of the deceased BLO regarding work-related stress. The tragic loss of officials under pressure highlights a broader issue within electoral processes. This situation warrants a detailed investigation to ensure the well-being of those serving in critical roles during elections.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cause of the BLO's death?
The family claims excessive work pressure related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls led to her death.
What was the age of the deceased BLO?
The deceased, Samprita Chowdhury Sanyal, was 48 years old.
Who visited the family after the incident?
Trinamool Congress councillor Gayatri Ghosh visited the bereaved family to express her condolences and criticized the Election Commission.
How did the BLO's husband describe the work pressure?
Her husband described the work pressure as immense, stating that it affected her mental and physical health.
What did the BJP's Ajay Ganguly say about the allegations?
Ajay Ganguly stated that the claims about BLOs dying due to SIR work are politically motivated and called for a proper investigation.
