In a decisive move to restore electoral integrity following allegations of widespread irregularities, the Election Commission of India has initiated repolling across the entire Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas. Voting commenced at 7:00 am on Thursday and is progressing peacefully, with no reports of disturbances so far.
By 11:00 am, voter turnout had reached 42.83 per cent, reflecting active participation from the electorate. Polling will continue until 6:00 pm, as per the schedule laid out by the Commission.
The decision to conduct fresh polling across all 285 booths in the constituency comes in the wake of serious allegations during the earlier phase of voting held on April 29, part of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026. Opposition parties had alleged large-scale rigging, forcible capture of booths, and even tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), including claims of glue or ink being applied to disrupt their functioning.
Taking cognisance of these allegations, the Commission annulled the previous polling and ordered a complete repoll—an extraordinary step aimed at ensuring fairness and transparency.
Security arrangements have been significantly strengthened for the exercise. A total of 35 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed, with at least one section stationed at each booth—nearly double the deployment seen during the earlier phase.
To further enhance transparency, live webcasting is being conducted at all polling stations. Activities inside and outside each booth are being closely monitored in real time by officials at the Commission’s headquarters in Delhi as well as the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Kolkata.
Voters began lining up early in the morning, indicating strong public interest in the re-election. The administration remains on high alert, determined to ensure that the process concludes without any untoward incidents.
In a significant political development on the eve of the polls, Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Jahangir Khan—an influential figure from Diamond Harbour, popularly known as ‘Pushpa’—announced his withdrawal from the contest. Citing the need to maintain peace and promote development in the region, Khan’s decision has added a new dimension to the electoral dynamics in the constituency.
The counting of votes for the repoll is scheduled for May 24. All eyes are now on whether the Commission’s enhanced measures will succeed in delivering a free, fair, and controversy-free electoral outcome in Falta.
Follow us
