UPCC chief Ajay Rai blames govt’s policies, ECI;s “negligence” for teacher’s death

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai on Wednesday launched a fierce attack on the BJP-led state government and the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that their “repressive policies” and “administrative negligence” are endangering the lives of government employees, teachers, and BLOs (Booth Level Officers).

Rai claimed that officials were pressuring BLOs to “cut votes of backward communities in the name of SIR (Special Summary Revision),” creating intense stress among field workers. “This kind of pressure and harassment is forcing teachers to take their own lives. It is deeply shameful,” he said.

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The Congress leader visited the residence of the deceased teacher in Malhani in Jaunpur and met his family members, offered condolences, and assured them all possible support.

He demanded a fair investigation into the incident, strict action against responsible officials, and an immediate end to the “arbitrary pressure” on BLOs during duty.

The death of Bipin Yadav, a native of Malhani and an assistant teacher posted in Gonda district, has sparked widespread anger. Yadav, who was assigned BLO duties for the SIR process, reportedly consumed poison and died on Tuesday. His body reached his village in the evening, plunging the area into mourning and triggering outrage among locals.

His family members allege that the SDM, Tehsildar, and BDO in Gonda were exerting undue pressure on him to manipulate voter lists, particularly targeting backward-class voters. His brother-in-law, Prateek Yadav, said that Bipin had been distressed for several days due to excessive workload and pressure related to BLO duties.

Several Congress leaders, including district president Dr Pramod K Singh, were present during Rai’s visit.