Daunting task for pol parties to appoint BLAs ahead of Bihar elections

Even as the Election Commission of India (ECI) urges political parties to ensure higher representation of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) at polling stations, Bihar's major parties are struggling to comply due to a shortage of grassroots workers.

- Anirban Guha Roy

PATNA:

With over 77,000 booths currently in place and the possibility of the number rising to one lakh for the upcoming Assembly elections in October, parties face the daunting task of appointing BLAs across the state.

An estimated 7.7 lakh BLAs would be required for the 10 recognised political parties—assuming each party posts one agent at each of the existing 77,000 polling booths. This number could rise to approximately 10 lakh if polling stations are increased, following the ECI's directive to limit each station to 1,200 voters.