Jharkhand Minister Sparks Controversy by Telling Citizens to "Lock Up" Electoral Officials During Voter List Revision

New Delhi:

Congress minister from Jharkhand, Irfan Ansari, has created significant controversy by urging citizens to "lock up" electoral officers when they conduct home visits for voter list revision. The BJP has demanded legal action against him, labeling his statement as "highly irresponsible."

The Opposition, led by Congress, has been actively protesting against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists currently being implemented nationwide.

Opposition-ruled states have shown particularly strong resistance. In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has requested the Election Commission to suspend the process, citing severe mismanagement concerns.

In Jharkhand, however, the Congress minister took a more confrontational approach.

"Everyone should protest against SIR. If the BLO comes to your house, lock them up inside. The BLO (Booth Level Officer) is coming to delete names from voters list. Release him only after I arrive," Ansari, who serves as health minister, declared during a public meeting.

The BJP responded swiftly with criticism.

"A case should be filed against Jharkhand Minister Irfan Ansari, and action should be taken," stated BJP national spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain. "Saying that BLOs should be tied up at home is a highly irresponsible statement," he further remarked.

Earlier in September, during its monsoon session, the Jharkhand assembly passed a resolution opposing the SIR exercise, describing it as an attempt to undermine parliamentary democracy and disenfranchise marginalized populations.

West Bengal is considering adopting a similar resolution.

Recently, alleging "inhuman work pressure" on BLOs, Mamata Banerjee addressed a three-page letter to the Election Commission.

"BLOs are now operating far beyond human limits. What is particularly unacceptable is the response from the Election Commission at this juncture! Instead of offering support, extending timelines, or addressing systemic flaws, the office of CEO West Bengal has resorted to intimidation," she wrote.