Getting recognition as a ‘state party’ is all set to become more difficult now. The Election Commission of India has raised the cap of minimum votes a political party must secure in an election to get the status of a state party or maintain it further.The new minimum limit is eight per cent of total valid votes polled in state Assembly or Lok Sabha polls. Earlier, the limit was six per cent.To make this change, the ECI has amended its Election Symbols (Reservations and Allotment) Order, 1968 and issued a new order on September 16, the Election Symbols (Reservations and Allotment) (Amendment) Order, 2011.The order, issued by K F Wilfred, Principal Secretary to the ECI, has been sent to all states and Union Territories. In UP, the Chief Electoral officer has communicated the amendment to all district magistrates and registered parties in the state.