Election Commission Faces Flak For 'Boogie Woogie' Dance Video On SIR Amid BLO Suicides

As the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is underway across 12 states, the Election Commission of India (ECI) uploaded a video on social media, showing election officials dancing to enjoy

a break time in between their hectic work.

The video showed a dance instructor making a hall full of election officials, including block level officers (BLOs), grooving to a “boogie woogie” dance song. The video, part of ECI’s ‘SIR Joyathan’, has come under intense criticism online as many called it ‘tone deaf’ at a time when BLOs were under immense stress, and several officers were taking their own lives.

“Quick break, stronger team… Election officials, including BLOs, are enjoying break time in between their work under the ongoing SIR in Kerala,” the Election Commission posted on X, tagging the Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala.

Quick Break, Stronger Team ✨

Election officials including BLOs enjoying break time in between their work under the ongoing #SIR in #Kerala @Ceokerala pic.twitter.com/PpdGlBT8nW

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) November 30, 2025

The event was part of the ‘SIR Joyathan’, a district-level drive meant to “inject energy and fun into the revision exercise”. The campaign ran from November 29 to November 30, promoting “50 minutes of work and 10 minutes of fun,” including music, zumba, mimicry, stretching, and sharing activities.

However, the ECI’s idea of a “fun time” did not sit well with several social media users, who called it tone deaf and insensitive as several BLO suicides cast a dark shadow over the SIR exercise. “What shamelessness, Election Commission. Not a word is coming out in honour of those who died; instead, taunts are being made through such videos,” a user said.

“(Several) BLOs have died, and instead of fixing the cruelty and pressure, the Election Commission is busy posting dance videos. If this doesn’t shake us, nothing will. A nation that stays silent while its own workers die is a nation losing its humanity,” another individual commented.

However, others appreciated the video and said the election officials needed a fun break from their hectic schedules. “It is important to have entertainment and enjoyment in work life… it reduces stress, increases confidence and brings energy,” one person said.

Furore Over BLO Suicides

Congress Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha, Pramod Tiwari, on Monday told the Parliament that more than 20 BLOs have died under the pressure of SIR work. A BLO in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad was the latest to die by suicide due to work pressure. Congress used these incidents to argue against the implementation of the SIR.

“I want to live, but what can I do? I am feeling trapped by great trouble and sorrow. I feel scared and surrounded from all sides by difficult situations. I am in deep pain while writing this. I have always tried to take care of my family and my responsibilities,” the suicide letter of the UP BLO read.

Moreover in West Bengal, a section of BLOs working on the SIR held a massive protest outside the CEO’s office in Kolkata over alleged excessive workload during the ongoing enumeration exercise, prompting police deployment at the site.

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