Kottayam: Following an audio message circulating on social media about work-related stress faced by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rathan Kelkar and Kottayam District Collector Chethan Kumar Meena held a video call with Antony Varghese, the BLO of Booth No. 110 in the Poonjar constituency.

During the discussion, Antony said he was willing to continue in his role despite being informed that he could step down from SIR duties if he wished. Antony has conveyed that he has no grievances. CEO Kelkar reassured him that necessary support would be provided. Later, senior officials, including the Kanjirappally Tahsildar, Deputy Tahsildar and the Mundakayam Village Officer, met him in person. Officials said Antony has been performing his duties responsibly. The district administration has now deployed additional staff to assist him with SIR-related work. 

Meanwhile, tensions had risen across the state following the suicide of BLO Aneesh George in Kannur, allegedly due to extreme workload and deadlines. BLOs recently held a statewide strike following his death. Employee unions allege he was under severe pressure during the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls.

CEO Kelkar has urged the public to cooperate with the SIR process to ensure a “pure electoral roll.” Speaking to the media after Aneesh's death, he said BLOs would not be pressured but encouraged to fulfil their responsibilities. He also warned of strict criminal action against anyone obstructing BLOs. Kelkar said he had received reports of officers being prevented from doing their duties, misinformation being spread, and cyberattacks targeting them.