Jharkhand Minister Under Fire for Remarks on Election Officials; EC Seeks Report
Ranchi, November 25, 2025 - A significant controversy has erupted in Jharkhand following remarks made by State Health Minister Irfan Ansari regarding Booth Level Officers (BLOs) involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought a report on the matter following the minister's statement, which has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties.
Addressing a public gathering, Ansari reportedly urged people to "lock up" BLOs if they come to their homes for the voter list revision process. He alleged that the BLOs were visiting homes to delete names from the voter list and that citizens should only release them after he arrives. "Everyone should protest against SIR. If the BLO comes to your house, lock them up inside. They are coming to delete names from the voters list. Release him only after I arrive," Ansari reportedly said. He further claimed that the SIR exercise was intended to remove people's names from voter rolls and Aadhaar cards, potentially leading to the loss of bank accounts.
The comments have sparked strong condemnation, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanding immediate legal action against the minister. BJP National Spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain described the statement as "highly irresponsible" and called for a case to be filed against Ansari.
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of growing opposition to the ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in several states. The Congress party has been leading protests against the SIR, claiming it is being misused to delete voters' names. The ECI announced the overall revision of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union Territories, setting a deadline of December 4, 2025, to fill the enumeration form. Concerns have been raised about the adequacy of the timeline, with reports of BLO deaths in multiple states due to the intense pressure. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin have also voiced concerns to the ECI regarding the stress endured by BLOs due to the short timeframe. Banerjee, in a letter to the ECI, cited "inhuman work pressure" on BLOs and alleged intimidation by the CEO's office.
In response to the backlash, Minister Ansari has claimed his comments were taken out of context. He stated that his intention was to protect vulnerable families, particularly Adivasi, Dalit, and economically weak households who may lack essential documents like land papers and Aadhaar cards. He argued that these communities are at the highest risk of exclusion during SIR-related verification. Ansari also accused the BJP of using similar revision exercises in other states to target specific communities, citing the example of Bihar, where he alleges a large number of names were removed from the voter list. He has clarified that he was referring to the stress and pressure faced by field officers, and his concern was about their safety. "If a BLO is under distress, keep them secure. I will come myself, help them out and ensure their mental well-being," Ansari stated.
The Jharkhand Assembly had previously passed a resolution in September opposing the SIR exercise, alleging it was an attempt to weaken parliamentary democracy and deprive marginalized communities of their voting rights. The Election Commission is reportedly seeking a report from the Jamtara district election officer regarding complaints of individuals impersonating BLOs. The poll panel has also directed police to register cases against anyone found posing as fake BLOs.
