In a historic and unprecedented move, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a complete fresh poll in all booths of the Falta Assembly constituency under the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. This marks the first time in independent India that an entire constituency’s voting process has been annulled due to widespread irregularities and concerns over electoral integrity.
As a result of the Commission’s decision, vote counting for the constituency will not take place on the originally scheduled date of May 4. Instead, fresh polling has been scheduled for May 21, with counting to be held on May 24. Notably, the Commission has termed the exercise a “fresh poll” rather than a “repoll,” highlighting the complete invalidation of the earlier voting process conducted on April 29.
The decision follows multiple serious allegations, including tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), voter intimidation, booth capturing, and the unauthorised presence of political workers inside polling stations. Reports suggested that substances such as glue or perfume were applied to EVM buttons in certain booths, potentially influencing voter choice.
Initial reports submitted by election officials did not flag major disruptions. However, subsequent investigations by Special Observers and District Election authorities painted a starkly different picture. Video footage from several polling stations was found to be incomplete, with some recordings allegedly erased. Analysis of footage from at least 13 booths revealed repeated unauthorised entries and instances of voter coercion.
Further irregularities emerged in the post-poll scrutiny process, where candidates reportedly did not receive proper notice, with communication limited to email and messaging platforms. The Police Observer’s report also indicated an atmosphere of fear in certain areas. In one case, tape was found affixed to a ballot unit, prompting the filing of an FIR.
Citing the inability to guarantee a free and fair election, the Commission annulled the entire polling process and ordered fresh voting.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Hashimnagar and nearby areas, where allegations surfaced that miscreants linked to the TMC were targeting families believed to support the BJP. Reports claimed that residents were threatened, assaulted, and warned of expulsion from their villages. Two local figures, Israful Chokdar and Sujauddin Sheikh—associates of TMC leader Jahangir Khan—were named in the allegations.
Acting swiftly, the Commission directed police to file FIRs against those involved and warned of strict action against local authorities in case of delay. According to sources, three TMC workers were arrested shortly after these directives.
Political reactions have been sharp. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh criticised the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging failure in maintaining secure polling conditions. He also targeted police observer Ajay Pal Sharma, calling for his suspension, and claimed the Commission’s actions were politically motivated.
Ghosh further asserted that by the time polling takes place in Falta, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would have already secured a sweeping mandate with 230 seats, predicting a TMC victory in the constituency.
The political war of words intensified on social media as Amit Malviya declared that the “Diamond Harbour Model has been shattered.” In response, TMC General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee strongly defended his political stronghold, stating that even “ten lifetimes” would not be enough to dismantle the TMC in Falta, while accusing external forces of targeting Bengal.
With fresh polling set for May 21, the Falta constituency now stands at the center of a high-stakes political and electoral battle, as scrutiny over electoral processes and law-and-order conditions intensifies.
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