Repolling across 15 polling stations in West Bengal’s Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour constituencies recorded a near 90 per cent turnout on May 2, even as the Election Commission tightened security following allegations of EVM tampering and booth-related irregularities during the earlier phase of voting.
The repoll was conducted in South 24 Parganas after complaints including allegations that EVM buttons were covered with tape and reports of booth jamming and rigging during the April 29 polling. Voting took place from 7 am to 6 pm under close security supervision.
High turnout in affected constituencies
By the end of polling, officials reported an exceptionally high participation rate across the 15 booths. Magrahat Paschim recorded 86.11 per cent turnout, while Diamond Harbour registered 87.60 per cent, among the highest in the repoll exercise. Overall turnout across all booths touched nearly 90 per cent, indicating strong voter engagement despite the rerun.
Polling remained largely peaceful throughout the day, with security forces deployed in strength to ensure smooth conduct of voting and prevent any repeat of earlier allegations.
Also read: TMC, BJP supporters clash in Bengal during repolling
TMC confident of 200-plus seats
In parallel, political activity intensified ahead of the counting of votes scheduled for May 4. Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and senior leader Abhishek Banerjee held a virtual meeting with counting agents across 291 constituencies, followed by an extended strategy session at the Chief Minister’s residence in Kolkata.
The leadership expressed confidence that the party would secure “200-plus seats” and instructed agents to remain present at counting centres till the end of the process, report any irregularities immediately, and seek recounts in close contests. Concerns over possible disruptions, including power outages and alleged malpractice during counting, were also discussed. The Election Commission has rejected all such apprehensions.
Security review ahead of counting
In a key preparatory step, Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand met West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal for a final review of security arrangements. The meeting focused on coordination ahead of counting day across the state.
Authorities have put in place a multi-layered security framework for counting, including QR-coded verification, strict access control, and deployment of four-member counting teams with supervisors, micro observers, and support staff. Mobile phones have been banned inside counting centres.
Political mobilisation intensifies
The Bharatiya Janata Party has also stepped up activity, with all its candidates scheduled to visit temples in their constituencies on Sunday as part of last-minute outreach before results.
With repolling complete and counting approaching, West Bengal remains on edge ahead of the decisive outcome on May 4.
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