ECI Orders Repoll in 15 Booths as Tensions Flare in West Bengal Elections

Key facts

• ECI ordered repolling in all booths of Falta Assembly constituency in West Bengal.
• Repolling concluded at 15 booths across two constituencies in South 24 Parganas district.
• Allegations of CCTV cameras being turned off at Barasat strongroom between 4:05am and 8:22am on Saturday.
• Polling stopped at some booths in Diamond Harbour after BJP alleged EVM tampering.
• Around 1,500 people were arrested to ensure peaceful voting in the second phase.
• AIADMK ahead in Tamil Nadu; DMK workers packed up from party headquarters.
• TMC and BJP faced off over Barasat strongroom; ECI issued a clarification.

Repoll Ordered in Falta and Two Other Constituencies

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered repolling in all polling booths of the Falta Assembly constituency in West Bengal, following reports of irregularities. Repolling has also concluded at 15 booths across two assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas district. The decision came after allegations of tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and a breakdown of surveillance systems. In Barasat, tension erupted outside a strongroom after it was reported that CCTV cameras were switched off between 4:05am and 8:22am on Saturday.

TMC-BJP Clash Over Barasat Strongroom

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clashed over the Barasat strongroom, with each side accusing the other of malfeasance. The ECI issued a clarification to address the allegations, though details of the clarification were not immediately available. The incident underscored the heightened tensions in the state, where the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP are locked in a fierce electoral battle. The ECI's intervention aimed to restore confidence in the electoral process.

EVM Tampering Allegations in Diamond Harbour

In West Bengal's Diamond Harbour area, polling was stopped at some booths after the BJP alleged tampering with EVMs. The party claimed that buttons on the machines had been taped, potentially affecting voter choices. The ECI responded by ordering repolling in affected booths, though the exact number of booths impacted was not specified. The incident added to a series of complaints that have marred the second phase of voting in the state.

Mass Arrests to Ensure Peaceful Voting

To maintain order during the second phase of polling, authorities arrested around 1,500 people across seven south Bengal districts. The arrests were part of a broader effort to prevent violence and intimidation at polling stations. The second phase covered 142 Assembly segments, and the large-scale detentions reflected the volatile political climate in the region. Despite these measures, sporadic incidents of unrest were reported.

DMK Concedes Defeat in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) appeared to be trailing behind the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) as counting progressed. The DMK's headquarters in Chennai, Anna Arivalayam, was described as a picture of despondency, with workers packing up. The AIADMK's lead signaled a potential shift in the state's political landscape, though final results were still pending. The DMK's subdued response indicated acceptance of the electoral outcome.

ECI's Broader Electoral Oversight Under Scrutiny

The series of repoll orders and allegations of misconduct have placed the ECI's management of the West Bengal elections under scrutiny. The commission's decisions, including the repoll in Falta and the clarification on Barasat, are critical to maintaining the integrity of the process. With multiple phases of voting still ahead, the ECI faces the challenge of ensuring free and fair elections amid intense political rivalry. The coming days will test the commission's ability to address grievances swiftly and transparently.

The bottom line

• ECI ordered repoll in all booths of Falta and 15 booths in two other constituencies in West Bengal.
• Allegations of CCTV tampering at Barasat strongroom and EVM manipulation in Diamond Harbour triggered ECI intervention.
• Around 1,500 arrests were made to prevent violence during the second phase of polling in south Bengal.
• In Tamil Nadu, AIADMK took an early lead, prompting DMK to concede defeat.
• The ECI's handling of electoral disputes will be crucial for the remaining phases of the West Bengal elections.