School Teacher and BLO Succumbs to Cardiac Arrest in Murshidabad
A 58-year-old school teacher, who was also serving as a Booth Level Officer (BLO), passed away at her residence in Hariharpara, Murshidabad, on Friday. The cause of death was confirmed as cardiac arrest. However, her family and local political figures have raised serious allegations, claiming that the immense stress from ongoing Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SIR) hearings directly contributed to her demise.
Family Alleges Stress from SIR Hearings and Local Backlash
Maya Mukherjee, the deceased teacher, was reportedly overwhelmed by the pressures associated with her BLO duties. Her son, Rubel, provided a detailed account of the circumstances leading to her death. He explained that Maya herself received an SIR hearing notice, possibly due to a name mismatch, which added to her distress.
"My mother was not tech-savvy, so I assisted her with completing her duties; she only had to sign. However, she lived in constant fear that locals might attack her or our family," Rubel stated. He described how residents in the neighborhood blamed her for the high volume of SIR notices being issued, creating a hostile environment that took a severe toll on her mental and physical health.
Medical Treatment and Tragic Outcome
Maya Mukherjee, who served as the BLO for booth 251 in Shripur, was admitted to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital after falling ill. She spent a week at the hospital, including five critical days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Although she was discharged on Wednesday, her condition remained precarious.
"Despite arranging oxygen support and care at home, we could not shift her to Kolkata for further treatment. She passed away at 3:30 am," Rubel added, highlighting the family's efforts and the tragic timing of her death.
Political Reactions and Calls for Accountability
Local political leaders have voiced strong opinions regarding the incident. Jasimuddin Sheikh, the block Trinamool chief in Hariharpara, emphasized that Maya was primarily a teacher at a local Shishu Sikha Kendra and had been reluctant to take on BLO responsibilities.
"She was unwilling to do BLO work and repeatedly requested to be relieved of the duty. Her death is solely due to the immense pressure from the Election Commission," Sheikh asserted.
Niyamot Sheikh, the local Trinamool MLA, visited the bereaved family to offer condolences. Meanwhile, Insar Ali Biswas, a local CPM leader, placed blame on the system, stating, "The Election Commission's faulty system is responsible for this BLO's death." These statements underscore the growing concern over the working conditions and pressures faced by BLOs during electoral processes.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This incident has sparked discussions about the welfare of BLOs, who play a crucial role in India's electoral machinery. The allegations point to potential systemic issues, including inadequate support and excessive workloads, that may endanger individuals serving in these positions. As investigations and debates continue, the case of Maya Mukherjee serves as a somber reminder of the human cost associated with administrative and electoral duties in stressful environments.
