EC Orders Repoll in All 285 Falta Booths After Irregularities; Peaceful Voting Underway

Key facts

• Repolling ordered for all 285 polling booths in Falta Assembly constituency on May 21.
• 15 booths in Magrahat (Paschim) and Diamond Harbour constituencies repolled on May 4.
• Average polling percentage across 15 booths was 16.23% in first two hours until 9 A.M.
• Magrahat (Paschim) booths recorded 16.58% turnout; Diamond Harbour booths 15.83%.
• Voting briefly suspended at a Diamond Harbour booth due to EVM malfunction for nearly an hour.
• Counting for two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for May 4.
• Central forces and state police deployed for security during repolling.

Repolling Underway After ECI Admits Procedural Lapses

Repolling began at 7 A.M. on Saturday across 15 polling booths in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, following the Election Commission of India's (ECI) order to conduct fresh polls in all 285 booths of the Falta Assembly constituency on May 21. The decision came after the ECI acknowledged irregularities, including unauthorized movement inside the strong room without party representatives and the absence of CCTV or live streaming outside the postal ballot strong room. A senior official stated that the commission admitted the mistake and assured it would not recur. Cameras have now been installed, and agents are present to monitor movements. The repolling is proceeding under blanket security coverage of central forces, assisted by state police personnel.

Voter Turnout and Peaceful Atmosphere in First Hours

The average polling percentage across all 15 booths stood at 16.23% in the first two hours until 9 A.M., according to figures from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal. In the 11 booths under Magrahat (Paschim) Assembly constituency, turnout reached 16.58%, while the four booths in Diamond Harbour constituency recorded 15.83%. Voters waiting in queues at both Diamond Harbour and Magrahat (Paschim) reported no tension on repolling day. Some voters in Magrahat (Paschim) expressed confusion over the need for repolling, stating they had not witnessed any violence during the original polling on April 29.

Specific Booths and Voting Schedule

Repolling is taking place at booths numbered 46, 126, 127, 128, 142, 214, 215, 216, 230, 231, and 232 in Magrahat (Paschim), and booths 117, 179, 194, and 243 in Diamond Harbour. Voting is officially scheduled until 6 P.M., but will continue until the last voter in line has cast their ballot. At a Diamond Harbour polling station, voting was briefly suspended for nearly an hour due to an electronic voting machine malfunction. Officials confirmed that polling resumed once the issue was resolved.

Background of the Two-Phase Assembly Elections

The West Bengal Assembly elections were conducted in two phases: the first on April 23 for 152 constituencies, and the second on April 29 for the remaining 142 constituencies. Both Diamond Harbour and Magrahat (Paschim) went to polls in the second phase. The repolling order for Falta, encompassing all 285 booths, was announced by the ECI on May 21, with counting originally set for May 4. The commission's decision followed complaints about procedural irregularities during the initial polling.

Counting and Results Scheduled for May 4

Counting of votes for the two-phase Assembly elections is scheduled for May 4, with results to be declared on the same day. The repolling in Falta and the 15 booths in Magrahat (Paschim) and Diamond Harbour will be factored into the final tally. The ECI has assured that all necessary measures, including enhanced security and monitoring, are in place to ensure a free and fair process. The peaceful conduct of repolling so far suggests that the commission's interventions have addressed some of the earlier concerns.

Stakes and Political Implications

The repolling underscores the high stakes in West Bengal's closely watched Assembly elections, where allegations of violence and irregularities have been a recurring theme. The ECI's swift action to order repolling in Falta and address procedural lapses reflects the commission's effort to maintain credibility. However, the confusion among some voters about the justification for repolling highlights the challenge of balancing electoral integrity with public perception. The outcome of these repolled booths could influence the final results in a tight contest.

The bottom line

• ECI ordered repolling in all 285 Falta booths on May 21 after admitting procedural lapses, including unauthorized strong room access and lack of CCTV.
• Repolling at 15 booths in Magrahat (Paschim) and Diamond Harbour proceeded peacefully with 16.23% turnout in first two hours.
• Voters in Magrahat (Paschim) questioned the need for repolling, citing no violence on original polling day.
• An EVM malfunction caused a one-hour suspension at a Diamond Harbour booth, later resolved.
• Counting for the two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections is set for May 4, with results declared same day.
• Central forces and state police provided blanket security during repolling.