Punjab CEC Mitra Directs Parties: Appoint BLAs Now for Voter Revision Drive

CHANDIGARH: As Punjab gears up for its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Chief Election Officer Anindita Mitra issued a firm call to action Friday. Meeting leaders from recognized political parties, she insisted on swift nominations of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to safeguard the revision's integrity. 'Timely BLA deployment is non-negotiable,' Mitra stated, highlighting their role in the rigorous door-to-door scrutiny. These agents will work hand-in-glove with booth officials, ensuring transparency through constant updates and coordinated training sessions starting June 15. Parties were also pressed to expedite BLA-One appointments. The SIR process, running June 25 to July 24, mobilizes thousands: over 24,000 booth officers, sector supervisors, and registration staff. The goal? Accurate voter lists by including all eligible voters and purging ghosts. Mitra warned of strict penalties for bogus votes – up to a year's imprisonment. Progress on mapping: rural areas at nearly 90%, urban at 73%. Echoing the 2003 exercise, this revision promises a cleaner, more reliable voter database, setting the stage for credible elections in Punjab.