India, Dec. 1 -- Media reports indicate that, as of November 24, 16 Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) have died due to alleged work pressure during the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in twelve states. While seven of the BLOs allegedly died by suicide, the deaths of the others have also been linked to excessive workload. Family members of several victims have claimed that the officers were constantly under pressure and barely had time even for their daily routines.

Several opposition leaders-including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-have criticised the Election Commission for exerting severe pressure on field-lev...