BJP, TMC Spar Over Election Commission’s New Rules On Booth Level Officials

Last Updated:November 11, 2025, 22:48 IST

The Election Commission on Tuesday notified the modification in the rules regarding the appointment of Booth Level Officials

The Commission said this change aims to ensure the smooth conduct of electoral roll revision. (Representative)

A political slugfest broke out between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) after the Election Commission of India (ECI) notified a change in the rules governing the appointment of Booth Level Officials (BLOs) amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters’ list in West Bengal.

What’s The New Rule?

The Election Commission on Tuesday notified the modification in the rules regarding the appointment of Booth Level Officials (representatives appointed by political parties to verify entries in electoral rolls) in a constituency.

According to a circular issued by the ECI, paragraph 3(iv) of its earlier instruction (No. 23/BLA/2023-ERS dated August 9, 2023) has been modified. The revised rule states that while a BLA should normally be a registered voter of the same part of the electoral roll for which they are appointed, in case of unavailability, a BLA can now be appointed from any registered elector within the same Assembly constituency.

The Commission said this change aims to ensure the smooth conduct of electoral roll revision, particularly in areas where political parties face difficulties in finding eligible agents at the booth level.

TMC Cries Foul Play

Meanwhile, the Mamata Banerjee-led party criticised the move, calling it a “cunning amendment" that allegedly benefits the BJP.

In a post on X, the party said, “ALARMING The ECI has quietly and cunningly amended the rules governing the appointment of Booth Level Agents (BLAs)… This raises serious questions. BLOs must belong to the same booth, but why the exception for BLAs? Because the BJP is failing to find agents locally and wants to import outsiders to rig the process from within."

The TMC further claimed that the change reflects how the poll body “has been reduced to a servile extension of the ruling party", accusing it of rewriting rules for the BJP’s political convenience.

TMC leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh also slammed the move and said, “The Election Commission has stepped in to help BJP and other opposition parties. BLAs are supposed to be from the same part or booth, but now they are allowing agents from outside areas. This could create confusion and complicate the process. If this circular is confirmed, it deserves protest."

BJP Welcomes Move

On the other hand, the BJP welcomed the ECI’s decision, calling it a “progressive step."

West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said that the move “enhances flexibility by allowing BLAs from the same Assembly Constituency in cases of unavailability, while ensuring rigorous scrutiny of electoral rolls to identify shifted or deceased voters."

“This will undoubtedly strengthen the integrity of our electoral process, promote transparency, and empower political parties to contribute more effectively towards accurate voter lists. A big thumbs up to the ECI for listening to the ground realities and bolstering democracy," he added.

News politics BJP, TMC Spar Over Election Commission’s New Rules On Booth Level Officials

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