Political Storm Erupts After BLO's Tragic Suicide in Kerala
A tragic suicide of a Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Kerala's Kannur district has triggered a major political controversy between the ruling CPI(M) and opposition Congress, with both parties trading allegations over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. 44-year-old Aneesh George, deployed as BLO for booth number 18 under Payyanur assembly constituency, died by suicide at his residence on Sunday, creating widespread shockwaves across the state's political landscape.
Congress Alleges CPM Pressure Led to Extreme Step
Kerala Congress president Sunny Joseph made serious allegations on Monday, claiming that threats from CPI(M) booth agents contributed significantly to George's extreme decision. According to Joseph, George had confided in Congress booth agents about being threatened by CPI(M) representatives for involving Congress agents during house-to-house visits for form distribution.
The Congress leader asserted that George was specifically warned that authorities would be complained to if he continued working with Congress agents. This political pressure, combined with the ongoing work stress, allegedly pushed the school office attendant to take the drastic step. The Congress has demanded a thorough investigation into these allegations.
Contradictory Reports Emerge About Work Pressure
Meanwhile, the official investigation report submitted by Kannur District Collector Arun K Vijayan, who also serves as the District Electoral Officer, presents a different picture. The report indicates that George was not under significant work pressure and had nearly completed his assigned tasks.
According to the detailed report, 1,065 enumeration forms were issued to George for distribution. While the system showed 240 forms pending, physical verification on November 16 revealed that only 50 forms actually remained undistributed. The majority had been distributed but not digitally updated on the portal.
The investigation further revealed that George's work progress was consistent with district and constituency levels. When contacted on Sunday morning about requiring assistance for remaining work, George had confidently stated he would complete the task himself. No suicide note was recovered from the scene, according to police reports.
Political Fallout and Legal Battles Intensify
The incident has intensified the political battle over the SIR process timeline. Both CPI(M) and Congress have demanded postponement of the electoral roll revision until after the local body elections in the third week of December. In protest against George's death, BLOs across Kerala abstained from work on Monday.
CPI(M) MLA T I Madhusoodanan, representing Payyanur constituency, dismissed Congress allegations as politically motivated. He stated that while party agents can accompany BLOs during house visits, they have no other role in the process. The MLA acknowledged that George was under pressure to complete the distribution, which was lagging in his booth area.
The legal dimension added another layer to the controversy when the Kerala High Court recently refused to entertain the state government's plea to postpone the SIR. The court suggested the government approach the Supreme Court, where similar petitions are already pending. Congress has now announced it will move the Supreme Court seeking postponement of the electoral revision process.
