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Kolkata, Nov 5 (IANS) With the Election Commission of India (ECI) starting the special intensive review (SIR) in West Bengal, the two main opposition parties in the state, BJP and CPI(M), are ahead of the ruling Trinamool Congress in the appointments of booth-level agents (BLAs).
According to data available in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, as of 5 pm on Tuesday, the total number of BLAs appointed by the BJP and CPI(M) is 24,858 and 18,706, respectively.
On the other hand, sources in the CEO office said that, till that period, the total number of BLAs appointed by the Trinamool Congress was just 13,526. Congress is at fourth position by appointing only 5,797 BLAs during that period.
As per data available in the office of the ECI, the total number of booth-level agents (BLAs) appointed by recognized national and state political parties registered with the ECI, including the four already mentioned, currently stands at more than 63,940. This figure includes BLA-1s and BLA-2s.
While a BLA-1 is the representative of a party for an assembly constituency, a BLA-2 represents the party concerned for a polling station. The number of BLAs appointed so far by political parties registered with the ECI is quite small; Therefore, the district election authorities have requested the leadership of all political parties to deploy one agent per booth.
The ECI has already expressed surprise at the significantly lower ratio of Booth-level Officers (BLOs) appointed by the Commission to Booth-level Agents (BLAs) nominated by political parties in West Bengal.
At an all-party meeting held on 28 October, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal reportedly expressed concern about the shortage, and urged party representatives to appoint adequate number of BLAs to ensure a transparent and efficient vetting process. He also assured that the BLOs will maintain regular interaction with BLAs of all recognized parties during the SIR.
Sources in the CEO office said, “Now, with the BLO-to-BLA ratio being so low in West Bengal, the process of regular BLO-BLA interaction will be disrupted to a great extent. Therefore, the Commission is insisting that political parties take proactive steps to appoint adequate number of BLAs.”
The entire SIR process is expected to be completed by March 2026. The last such amendment in West Bengal was made in 2002.
–IANS
source/svn