Falta/Kolkata: The Falta assembly constituency in West Bengal registered a significant voter turnout of 87.9% by 8 PM on Thursday during a repoll. This marked a departure from previous electoral experiences, as voters reported feeling secure enough to cast their ballots “without fear” for the first time in years. Notably, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) flags were largely absent after party candidate Jahangir Khan withdrew from the race just 48 hours before the polling.
According to election officials, the polling was peaceful, a marked contrast to the earlier election on April 29, where the Election Commission (EC) had to annul voting in Falta due to widespread allegations of electoral malpractice such as booth capturing, EVM tampering, and voter intimidation. The turnout during that initial election was recorded at 91.8%.
“High voter participation in Falta is unprecedented for a repoll. Generally, turnout tends to decline in such situations. However, today, voters responded positively to the EC’s participation campaign and exhibited a festive spirit,” stated Bengal’s additional Chief Electoral Officer, Dibyendu Das. Vote counting is scheduled for Sunday.
Throughout Falta, the presence of central armed police forces (CAPF) overshadowed local political influences. Voters noted the absence of motorbike riders and booth-side observers, who had previously exerted control over polling-day activities. “There are about 15 CAPF personnel here, along with 20 more in two armored Marksmen vehicles from J&K on the main road. More importantly, there are no bikers or individuals monitoring us at the booths,” explained voter Firoza Bibi.
The polling atmosphere was particularly transformed in Srirampur, Khan’s home area, where voter turnout was noticeably brisk amid a lack of TMC representation. However, whispers of tactical voting were reported in minority areas such as Gopalpur, Bapra, and Rukhia, where residents indicated a quiet mobilization for an Independent candidate running on an Apple symbol, resulting in lower turnout in those pockets.
For younger voters, this repoll represented more than just numbers. “For the first time since 2021, this election felt like a festival. In the previous election, bikers informed me that I was being watched and advised against taking risks,” remarked 23-year-old Alia Das.
In Hashimnagar, previously a site of violence on April 29, turnout remained below 50% until the afternoon. Nevertheless, local residents spoke as if the election outcome were already decided. BJP candidate Debangshu Panda asserted that the anti-TMC sentiment had transformed into a widespread backlash.
