Election Commission Orders Repoll in All 285 Booths of Falta After Allegations of Tampering and Violence

Key facts

• Repoll ordered in all 285 polling booths of Falta constituency on May 21.
• Complaints demanded repolls in 77 booths, 32 of which were in Falta.
• EVM button for BJP candidate allegedly covered with tape at booth 177 in Falta.
• BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya shared video alleging tape on party symbol in booths 144 and 189.
• Security forces lathi-charged a group outside a booth in Belsingh area; protesters claimed women and a child were injured.
• Counting for Falta will take place on May 24, while results for 293 other constituencies are on May 4.
• Election Commission reduced counting venues from 87 to 77 amid TMC concerns, all under CCTV surveillance.

Repoll Ordered in Falta After Widespread Electoral Offences

The Election Commission of India has ordered a repoll in all 285 polling booths of the Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district, following reports of serious electoral offences during the April 29 vote. The repoll, scheduled for May 21, will be conducted under stringent security arrangements, including deployment of central forces, micro-observers, and webcasting facilities. On Saturday, repolling was already held in 15 booths in the neighbouring Paschim Magrahat and Diamond Harbour constituencies. The commission's decision came after observers flagged allegations of voter intimidation, unauthorised presence inside booths, and possible tampering with electronic voting machines.

Allegations of EVM Tampering and Violence

On polling day, BJP candidate Debangshu Panda claimed that at booth number 177 in Falta, the EVM button for his party was covered by a tape. Central forces removed the tape and voting resumed. Later, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya shared a video on X alleging that white tape had been placed on the party's symbol in booths 144 and 189, demanding a repoll. In the Belsingh area of Falta, a senior Election Commission official said security forces lathi-charged a group of men and women outside a booth following allegations of an attempt to influence voters. Protesters alleged the baton charge was unprovoked, and that several women voters were injured, while a child accompanying his mother sustained head injuries.

Political Stakes in Falta and Statewide Context

Falta is one of 294 constituencies in the West Bengal Assembly, where results for 293 seats will be announced on May 4. The outcome will determine whether the Trinamool Congress secures a third consecutive term or the BJP wins its first-ever victory in the state. In Falta, the main contenders are TMC's Jahangir Khan, BJP's Debangshu Panda, Congress's Abdur Razzak Molla, and CPI(M)'s Sambhu Nath Kurmi. The Election Commission has also reduced the number of counting venues from 87 to 77, a move that raised concerns from the Trinamool Congress. The commission assured that all counting centres will be under CCTV surveillance to ensure transparency.

Repoll Logistics and Security Measures

The poll panel has directed authorities to make all necessary arrangements for the May 21 repoll, including adequate central forces, micro-observers, and webcasting wherever required. The entire process will be videographed and closely monitored to prevent any recurrence of malpractice. Counting for Falta will take place on May 24, separate from the other constituencies. The commission has promised a balanced composition of counting staff to maintain neutrality and public trust, following strict guidelines.

Background of Electoral Irregularities

The demand for repolls came after complaints in 77 booths across the state, with 32 of those in Falta alone. The allegations included voter intimidation, EVM tampering, and unauthorised presence inside polling stations. The commission's decision to order a full repoll in offences. This is not the first instance of electoral violence in West Bengal; previous elections have been marred by clashes and allegations of rigging. The current measures reflect the commission's effort to ensure a free and fair process amid heightened political tensions.

Outlook and Implications

The repoll in Falta could delay the final outcome in that constituency, but the results for the rest of the state will be known on May 4. The commission's actions may bolster confidence in the electoral process, though opposition parties have called for further scrutiny. With the BJP and TMC locked in a fierce battle, the integrity of the vote count remains crucial. The reduced number of counting centres and enhanced surveillance aim to address concerns, but the coming days will test the commission's ability to deliver a credible result.

The bottom line

• The Election Commission ordered a full repoll in Falta's 285 booths on May 21 after serious electoral offences were reported.
• Allegations included EVM tampering, voter intimidation, and lathi-charge injuries to women and a child.
• Results for 293 other constituencies will be announced on May 4, with Falta's count on May 24.
• Counting venues were reduced from 87 to 77, with all centres under CCTV surveillance.
• The repoll will be conducted with central forces, micro-observers, and videography to ensure fairness.
• The outcome in West Bengal will decide whether the TMC retains power or the BJP wins for the first time.