Lock BLOs inside: Political stir erupts in Jharkhand over minister’s comments on SIR
State's Health Minister Irfan Ansari has sparked a controversy by publicly stating his intention to stop the implementation of the SIR. His comments have drawn a strong reaction from the Election Commission.
Ranchi: Even as Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in Jharkhand and several other parts of the country are working round the clock for the implementation of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a major political row has erupted in Jharkhand.
State’s Health Minister Irfan Ansari has sparked a controversy by publicly stating his intention to stop the implementation of the SIR. His comments have drawn a strong reaction from the Election Commission.
What the minister said
Addressing a public gathering, the minister accused the BLOs of being a hindrance to the smooth functioning of various departments in the state. He told the gathering that if BLOs reach their hoes for SIR-related queries, then there should be no hesitation in tying them up.
"Everyone should protest against SIR. If the BLO comes to your house, lock them inside. The BLO is coming to delete names (from the voter list). Lock him inside the house and release him after I arrive," he was quoted as saying by News18. The Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer has asked for a record on his comments.
Taking cognizance of the comment, the Jharkhand CEO has asked for a report on the issue. "The upcoming SIR process in Jharkhand is going to be very crucial. Around 56 lakh people were removed from the voter list in Bihar. The party must remain vigilant to ensure that such a situation does not arise in the state," the Congress said last week.
BJP slams minister’s comments
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey also took to X to slam Ansari’s comments. "The minister Dr Irfan’s statement regarding the SIR is not only irresponsible but also an attempt to mislead the public. When officials working at the grassroots level, such as BLOs, conduct verification by going door-to-door, to talk of tying their hands is an insult to the administrative system and democratic decorum. Such statements spread confusion in society. The Congress has always played this kind of politics and has supported Bangladeshi infiltrators," he wrote.