Synopsis : As elections near in Kerala, the state is witnessing an unusual phenomenon — the death by suicide of people, including election-related officials and party workers. The reasons range from work pressure, denial of tickets by parties, financial duress and others. The issue came to the fore at a time when the NCRB data points to an increase in the number of deaths by suicide in the state.

The death by suicide of Election Commission of India (ECI) Booth Level Officer (BLO) Aneesh George in Kannur has jolted Kerala, forcing an uncomfortable conversation about the unbearable pressure faced by those working within the state’s political machinery.

His death came just hours after another tragedy in Thiruvananthapuram, where BJP–RSS activist Anand K Thampi ended his life after allegedl

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