The ruling Trinamul Congress in West Bengal has moved the Calcutta High Court (HC) challenging Election Commission of India (ECI) directing political parties to submit credentials of booth level agents (BLAs) hardly eight/nine months ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled in the state during April-May in 2026.
The BLAs are engaged by respective recognised political parties contesting elections for electoral rolls revisions during state legislative Assembly or parliamentary polls.
The ruling party leadership alleged that the ECI is showing its pro-activeness by taking such a move that is not under its jurisdiction.
During the hearing of the case held in the HC on Monday, Justice Amrita Sinha asked Trinamul Congress: “All recognised political parties have been asked to submit details of BLAs. Are you the only party who has been asked to do so?”
The Trinamul Congress lawyer said: “Other parties might have accepted the ECI directive but we think that the commission is intervening into democratic process and for that reason we have filed the petition.”
The ruling party felt that the ECI has already directed the chief electoral officer (CEO) to get ready for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal but why is the commission so pro-active for details of BLAs.
“Is this an administrative move or a political conspiracy?” Trinamul leadership raised questions.
Assembly elections are scheduled in West Bengal next year. Before that, there is a possibility of a Special Intensified Revision (SIR) in Bengal. In this situation, names of booth-level agents are being sought from political parties. And that is what the Trinamul Congress is objecting to.
Trinamul Congress has been opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state since the beginning. Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that the SIR was nothing but a force for the NRC in the state.