West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday announced a state compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the family of each of the 39 individuals whose deaths have been linked to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This move formally brings the state administration into a political controversy that has been simmering for weeks.
Compensation for Families and Ailing Officials
Addressing a meeting with senior state government officials at Nabanna, the state secretariat, Banerjee expressed her condolences for the lives lost. The Chief Minister confirmed that 39 people have died, with many suffering strokes and some dying by suicide, incidents their families and the ruling Trinamool Congress blame on the panic and tension caused by the SIR process.
"Many people have already died. Unfortunately, they committed suicide or suffered stroke during the SIR. We express our deepest condolences to them," Banerjee stated. She detailed that the compensation would extend to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who were among the deceased. Families of each deceased person will receive Rs 2 lakh, while those who fell seriously ill, including hospitalized BLOs, will be given Rs 1 lakh each.
"This support is to assure their families that the govt stands by them in difficult times... This is our social responsibility," the CM emphasized.
The Toll of Electoral Roll Revision
The tragic incidents are attributed by families and opposition parties, except the BJP, to the immense pressure of the SIR process. Allegations suggest that panic over missing documents or names from the baseline 2002 voters' list drove some voters to extreme steps. For the BLOs, the deaths are linked to an excessive workload from distributing, collecting, and uploading enumeration forms, coupled with anxiety over meeting strict deadlines.
Banerjee revealed that apart from the 39 fatalities, thirteen people are in serious condition in hospital, including BLOs. Additionally, three others who attempted suicide are also hospitalized in critical condition. The Election Commission had previously, on November 30, extended the deadline for SIR form submission by a week in response to the mounting concerns.
Political Battle and a Secular Stance
By announcing state compensation, Banerjee has transformed the political debate over the contentious roll revision into an administrative action, directly involving her government. During her address, she also took a firm secular stand, warning against the spread of fear regarding detention camps without naming any political party.
"I do not engage in communal politics. I practise secular politics. I respect all people of all religions because I abide by the Constitution," she asserted. Banerjee added that her government ensures a sense of security for everyone in Bengal and does not allow the creation of detention camps to cause distress.
She also issued a caution to the central government, advising against issuing orders "like the ones that kings or the British had once issued" that could harm people. The CM affirmed that if such instructions are enforced, the state government will "help people as much as possible," reiterating that her administration is accountable to the Constitution, democracy, and the citizens.
Reassurance to Administration
This announcement follows a virtual meeting the Chief Minister held with District Magistrates on Monday, where she reassured them of her support concerning the SIR process and urged them "not to be afraid." While she did not mention the Election Commission, sources indicated she instructed the DMs to ensure that development work does not suffer despite the current workload and pressures. The chief secretary had called the meeting, which Banerjee joined unexpectedly.
The compensation announcement marks a significant escalation in the state government's response to the human cost associated with the electoral roll revision, framing it as a matter of social responsibility amidst a highly charged political atmosphere.
