Clashes Erupt in West Bengal's Falta as Repolling Underway at 15 Booths Amid Allegations of Intimidation

Key facts

• Repolling at 15 booths in Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour constituencies ordered by Election Commission due to malpractice allegations.
• Clashes between Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters in Falta, South 24 Parganas, on Saturday.
• Police arrested three people in connection with intimidation allegations.
• Voter turnout for repolling: 72.50% in Magrahat Paschim, 72.36% in Diamond Harbour, overall 72.43% as of 5 pm.
• Residents alleged threats by TMC leader Israfil Chowkidar, including threats of arson and bloodshed.
• Separate controversy: TMC filed complaint against returning officer for alleged unauthorised sorting of postal ballot covers at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra.
• BJP alleged unauthorised opening of a strongroom; at least six officials reportedly suspended pending inquiry.
• Central forces including CRPF and RAF deployed with armoured vehicle in Falta.

Violence Erupts During Repolling in South 24 Parganas

Clashes broke out on Saturday between supporters of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party in Falta, West Bengal, as repolling proceeded at 15 booths in the South 24 Parganas district. The Election Commission ordered the repoll after allegations of election malpractice during the second phase of polling on April 29. Visuals from the area showed chaotic scenes as both sides confronted each other. Heavy security was deployed, with personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force and Rapid Action Force stationed at key locations, including an armoured CRPF vehicle, to maintain order. Police later arrested three individuals in connection with the unrest.

Residents Protest Alleged Threats by TMC Workers

The clashes followed protests by residents in Falta who alleged intimidation and threats by Trinamool Congress workers ahead of the vote counting scheduled for Monday. A female resident told news agency ANI that a local TMC leader, Israfil Chowkidar, had threatened villagers: "If these people win, they will burn our houses and carry out bloodshed." Another woman, who claimed she had voted for Trinamool, expressed shock at being targeted by the party. "We voted for Trinamool, yet they attacked us. We want him to be arrested. We need safety for women," she said. Protesters demanded a repoll in the area and deployment of Central Armed Police Forces across Falta to ensure security.

Repolling Proceeds with High Turnout

The repolling covered 11 polling stations in the Magrahat Paschim assembly constituency and four in Diamond Harbour. by 2 pm voter turnout stood at 56.33% in Magrahat Paschim and 54.9% in Diamond Harbour, with an overall polling percentage of 55.57%. Later figures as of 5 pm showed turnout had risen to 72.50% in Magrahat Paschim and 72.36% in Diamond Harbour, an overall 72.43%. The repolling began without incident in the morning, but tensions escalated as the day progressed. Authorities have tightened security across sensitive areas to ensure peaceful proceedings and smooth counting of votes on May 4.

Separate Controversy Over EVM Strongrooms

A separate controversy has emerged over alleged irregularities in strongrooms where electronic voting machines are stored. The Trinamool Congress filed a complaint against a returning officer at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, accusing them of unauthorised sorting of postal ballot covers. The facility is currently being used as a strongroom for storing EVMs. The BJP also alleged that a strongroom was opened without authorisation, prompting an inquiry. At least six officials have reportedly been suspended in connection with the incident. Both parties have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

Political Stakes and Background

The unrest in Falta comes amid a fiercely contested election in West Bengal, where the Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is seeking re-election against a strong challenge from the BJP. The second phase of polling on of irregularities, leading to the Election Commission's decision to order repolling at the 15 booths. Allegations of intimidation and violence have been a recurring theme in the campaign, with both parties accusing each other of malpractice. The deployment of central forces in Falta underscores the volatile nature of the contest in South 24 Parganas, a district that has seen significant political polarization.

Outlook: Counting Day Approaches

With counting of votes scheduled for Monday, the incidents in Falta and the controversy over strongrooms have heightened tensions. The Election Commission has ordered an inquiry into the strongroom allegations, while security remains tight across the state. The high voter turnout during repolling suggests strong engagement, but the clashes and threats raise questions about the fairness of the process. Authorities are bracing for potential further unrest as results are announced, with both parties likely to scrutinize the outcome closely.

The bottom line

• Repolling at 15 booths in South 24 Parganas was marred by clashes between TMC and BJP supporters, with police arresting three people.
• Residents in Falta alleged threats by TMC leader Israfil Chowkidar, including arson and violence, prompting demands for repoll and CAPF deployment.
• Voter turnout in repolling reached 72.43% overall, indicating high participation despite tensions.
• Separate allegations of EVM strongroom irregularities have emerged, with TMC and BJP both filing complaints; at least six officials suspended.
• Heavy security, including CRPF and RAF, remains in place as counting of votes is set for May 4.
• The incidents underscore the high-stakes nature of the West Bengal election, with both parties trading accusations of malpractice.