The Election Commission of India (EC) has mandated a complete repoll in the Falta assembly constituency of West Bengal, annulled the voting that took place on April 29 due to what it termed a breakdown of the democratic process. All 285 polling stations in the South 24 Parganas district will now conduct new voting on May 21, with counting set for May 24.
The decision follows numerous reports of irregularities, including allegations of voter intimidation, unauthorized presence within polling booths, and potential tampering with voting machines. The Commission stated that it reviewed detailed submissions from ground-level officials, observers, and available records before declaring the earlier election results “void.”
The extent and severity of the complaints rendered it impossible to certify the April 29 election as free or fair, according to the EC. Observer reports highlighted incidents of intimidation and interference inside polling stations, raising concerns over the ability of voters to exercise their rights independently.
One significant allegation involved electronic voting machines (EVMs), with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders contending that in multiple booths, including at Harindanga High School, the BJP symbol was partially obscured, hindering voters from selecting their choice.
West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar characterized the decision for a repoll as a “victory” for voters, particularly women, who he claimed faced intimidation during the initial polling. Conversely, Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee dismissed the allegations, challenging opposition leaders to contest the seat and substantiate their claims on the ground.
Congress representative Rashid Alvi pointed out that reports of irregularities were widespread across both West Bengal and Assam, labeling the situation a “blot on democracy.”
The initial polling day was marked by a tense atmosphere, characterized by heavy security deployment, patrols, and constant observation by political factions. The BJP alleged that its electoral symbol had been taped over on EVMs at various polling locations in Falta.
Candidates contesting in Falta include Jahangir Khan from the Trinamool Congress, Debangshu Panda from the BJP, and Abdur Razzak Molla from Congress.
