As West Bengal is bracing for a decisive counting day on May 4, results will be declared for 293 of the 294 Assembly constituencies. The exception is Falta in South 24 Parganas, where the poll process is still underway following serious complaints of electoral irregularities.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed a complete repoll across all 285 polling booths in Falta on May 21. Counting for this seat will take place on May 24, separately from the statewide results.
The decision follows multiple reports from election observers citing alleged voter intimidation, unauthorised presence inside polling booths, and possible tampering during the April 29 voting phase.
Earlier, repolling was also conducted in 15 booths across Paschim Magrahat and Diamond Harbour constituencies.
What triggered the decision?
Controversy intensified after BJP candidate Debangshu Panda alleged that the EVM button for his party was covered with tape at booth number 177. Security personnel later intervened, and voting resumed.
Also Read | Bengal repoll sees 87% turnout; Fresh voting ordered in Falta ahead of May 4 results
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya also posted a video on X, claiming similar incidents at booths 144 and 189, and demanded a repoll.
This is what Mamata Banerjee was defending when she spoke up for Jehangir Khan, a criminal contesting on a TMC ticket from Falta in Diamond Harbour.
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) April 29, 2026
In several polling booths, the option to vote for the BJP has been blocked using a tape, effectively preventing voters from pic.twitter.com/sKw3mcdA86
There were also clashes outside polling stations. A senior EC official confirmed that security forces resorted to a lathi charge in Belsingh after allegations of attempts to influence voters. Protesters claimed the action was unprovoked and said several women were injured, along with a child who suffered a head injury.
Complaints seeking repolling were filed for 77 booths, including 32 from Falta alone.
Security measures tightened
The poll panel has instructed officials to ensure strict arrangements are in place for the upcoming repoll. This includes deployment of central forces, micro-observers, and webcasting at sensitive locations. The entire process will be videographed and closely monitored to avoid any repeat of earlier incidents.
Political reactions intensify
The development has triggered sharp political reactions. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar welcomed the move, calling it a victory for the women of Falta against alleged atrocities by local leadership.
Tapas Roy, BJP candidate from Maniktala, said, “Because of incidents like what happened in Falta, Abhishek (Banerjee) won by a margin of 7 lakh 11 thousand votes in Diamond Harbour. Even today in Falta, things happen that shouldn't have. People were prevented from voting; in Hindu villages, our mothers and sisters had to come out and protest.”
Responding strongly, Abhishek Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress posted on X, “Ten lifetimes won't be enough for your Bangla Birodhi Gujarati gang and their stooge Gyanesh Kumar to put even a dent in my DIAMOND HARBOUR MODEL, Bring everything you have got."
Ten lifetimes won't be enough for your Bangla Birodhi Gujarati gang and their stooge Gyanesh Kumar to put even a dent in my DIAMOND HARBOUR MODEL.
— Abhishek Banerjee (@abhishekaitc) May 2, 2026
Bring everything you have got. I challenge the entire Union of India- Come to Falta. Send your strongest, send one of the https://t.co/Db7yIsQXj7
"I challenge the entire Union of India - Come to Falta. Send your strongest, send one of the godfathers from Delhi. If you have got the nerve, contest in Falta", he further stated.
