Bengal’s Falta seat to repoll on May 21 after EC flags ‘severe electoral offences’

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a full repoll in West Bengal’s Falta Assembly constituency, scrapping the April 29 exercise after flagging “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process”.

In an official directive, the poll body said fresh voting will be conducted across all 285 polling stations, including auxiliary booths, on May 21 between 7 am and 6 pm, with counting scheduled for May 24.

The decision follows reports of widespread irregularities across a large number of booths, prompting the ECI to nullify the earlier poll. The move also comes amid at least 77 complaints alleging EVM-related manipulation during the second phase of the state elections.

According to officials, some complaints pointed to deliberate tampering — buttons linked to specific political parties allegedly covered with adhesive tape or marked with ink, restricting voter choice. In other instances, substances such as attar were reportedly applied on EVM buttons, raising concerns that voters could be identified based on their selection.

Tensions escalated in South 24 Parganas hours before the announcement, as hundreds of villagers protested in Hasimnagar, demanding security guarantees ahead of the results. Protesters alleged threats of violence and arson from local strongman Israfil, said to be close to TMC candidate Jehangir Khan.

Women carrying BJP flags were among those who blocked roads as demonstrations intensified. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were deployed in strength, with officials assuring residents of adequate security arrangements.

Earlier, repolling had already been conducted in 15 booths across Diamond Harbour and Magrahat Paschim after voting there was declared void based on reports from Returning Officers and Observers.

The Falta repoll marks one of the most sweeping interventions by the ECI in recent elections, with the entire constituency set to vote again under heightened scrutiny.