Political Storm Erupts After BLO's Tragic Suicide in Kerala
A tragic incident involving the suicide of a Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Kerala has ignited a major political controversy between the ruling CPI(M) and opposition Congress parties. The incident occurred amidst the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, creating tension across the state's political landscape.
The Tragic Incident and Immediate Fallout
Aneesh George, a 44-year-old BLO deployed by the Election Commission for booth number 18 under Payyanur assembly seat in Kannur district, died by suicide at his residence on Sunday. The deceased, who worked as an office attendant at a school, was reportedly involved in the electoral roll revision process that has a December 4 deadline.
Following the tragic incident, BLOs across the district abstained from work on Monday, while both CPI(M) and Congress parties intensified their demands to postpone the SIR process until after the local body elections in the third week of December.
Congress Alleges Political Pressure Behind Suicide
Congress state president Sunny Joseph made serious allegations on Monday, claiming that threats from CPI(M) booth agents contributed significantly to George's extreme step. According to Joseph, George had been threatened for taking Congress booth level agents for distributing enumeration forms during house-to-house visits.
The KPCC president stated, This threat pushed him to take the extreme step. A detailed probe should be held. The Congress party has announced plans to approach the Supreme Court, seeking postponement of the SIR process.
CPI(M) Counters Allegations and Offers Different Perspective
CPI(M) MLA T I Madhusoodanan, representing the Payyanur assembly constituency, dismissed the Congress allegations as politically motivated and puerile. The MLA offered an alternative explanation, suggesting that George was under pressure to complete the distribution process as his booth was lagging behind schedule.
Madhusoodanan clarified that while booth-level agents of political parties can accompany BLOs during house visits, they have no other role in the electoral revision process.
Official Investigation Reveals Contradictory Findings
Kannur District Collector Arun K Vijayan, who also serves as the district electoral officer, submitted a detailed report indicating that George was not under work pressure. The investigation revealed specific details about his work progress:
- Total enumeration forms issued: 1,065
- Forms distributed: 825
- Forms shown pending on portal: 240
- Actual forms remaining after verification: Only 50
The report stated that most forms had been distributed but were not digitally updated. Furthermore, when a village field officer accompanied George on November 15, no signs of distress were observed. The electoral officers confirmed that no pressure or adverse instructions were communicated to any BLO, including the deceased.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Political Battle
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of legal proceedings concerning the SIR timeline. Last week, the Kerala High Court refused to entertain the state government's plea to postpone the Special Intensive Revision. The court suggested that the government could approach the Supreme Court, where similar petitions are already pending.
Police investigations continue, with authorities confirming that no suicide note was recovered from George's residence. The case has become a focal point in the ongoing political tensions in Kerala, particularly in the politically volatile Kannur district.
