Clashes erupted between supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in South 24 Parganas during repolling in West Bengal on Saturday. Reports indicated that some voters were obstructed from casting their ballots, prompting a significant deployment of security forces to restore order and facilitate continued voting.
The repoll relates to 15 polling stations across Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour constituencies, following the Election Commission of India’s decision to void the voting conducted on April 29 due to reported irregularities. The new polling took place from 7 am to 6 pm under enhanced security measures.
Election officials stated that 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour were selected for repolling, based on findings by returning officers and election observers, in accordance with the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Concerns arose regarding alleged electronic voting machine (EVM) tampering and voter obstruction, particularly in Diamond Harbour’s Falta segment. BJP leaders accused TMC supporters of interfering with the machines, preventing voters from selecting their preferred party. Amit Malviya, a BJP leader, expressed these concerns on social media, stating, “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. In several polling booths, the option to vote for the BJP has been blocked using tape, effectively preventing voters from exercising their choice. This is the so-called ‘Diamond Harbour Model,’ the same template that helped Mamata Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee secure his Lok Sabha seat.”
Previously, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal indicated that any complaints regarding such incidents would be thoroughly investigated. He noted, “If reports of taping of any button come in, that should be verified and noted. If true, those booths will go for a repoll.”
To avert further disruptions, authorities have established extensive security arrangements with central forces stationed at sensitive polling locations. The final phase of polling in the state concluded on April 29, with a turnout nearing 90 percent. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4, with heightened security measures in place at strong rooms across Howrah and other districts.
