The TMC claims that since the rollout of the SIR process on October 27, several deathsincluding suicides, heart attacks, and brain strokes have occurred in connection with the exercise. In contrast, BJP leaders argue that the deaths are unrelated and that SIR is being conducted transparently by the Election Commission.

Despite protests, the Election Commission reported that over 5.15 crore SIR forms have been distributed across the state by 80,000 Booth Level Officers (BLOs). The voter list verification, which began on November 4, will continue until December 4.

Among the reported cases is that of Pradeep Kar (57) from Panihati, whose suicide note blamed “NRC” for his death. Another case involves Namita Hansda (50), a BLO from East Burdwan, who died of a stroke allegedly caused by work pressure. Her husband and the BLO association have demanded ₹50 lakh compensation from the Election Commission.

TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee has announced a legal aid cell and help desk to assist affected families, stating that financial support has already been extended to five households.

Political analyst Vishwanath Chakraborty noted that the controversy stems from “a mix of inadequate awareness by the Election Commission and political posturing by the TMC.”

The SIR process is underway across 12 states and Union Territories, covering approximately 51 crore voters, with over 5.3 lakh BLOs and 7 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) involved in the massive verification exercise.