Re-polling in 15 booths across South 24 Parganas amid electoral malpractice allegations, with possible expansion to Falta constituency after EVM complaints and violence reports, as Election Commission intensifies scrutiny to ensure transparent and fair West Bengal Assembly elections.
Fresh concerns over electoral integrity have prompted corrective action in parts of southern West Bengal, where authorities have moved to ensure the credibility of the ongoing Assembly election process. Re-polling is being conducted on Saturday in 15 polling booths across the South 24 Parganas district following complaints of irregularities during the second phase of voting held on April 29.
According to the Election Commission of India, 11 of these booths are located in the Magrahat (Paschim) Assembly constituency, while the remaining four fall under Diamond Harbour. The decision was taken after detailed reports submitted by returning officers and general observers highlighted allegations of large-scale electoral malpractices on polling day.
Officials indicated that the re-polling exercise is aimed at safeguarding voter confidence and ensuring a transparent electoral outcome. Security arrangements have been strengthened in the affected areas to prevent any disruptions during the re-voting process.
Meanwhile, attention has also shifted to the Falta Assembly constituency within the same district, where the possibility of a larger-scale re-poll remains under consideration. Sources from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer revealed that as many as 30 polling booths in Falta could undergo re-polling after serious complaints related to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
The controversy centers on allegations that the EVM button corresponding to the candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party malfunctioned in certain booths. In response, the Election Commission ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Unlike routine procedures, the inquiry was personally overseen by a special observer appointed by the Commission. Subrat Gupta, tasked with the probe, conducted an on-ground inspection in Falta after arriving from Kolkata. Following a full day of verification, he reportedly recommended re-polling in 30 booths, though an official confirmation is still awaited.
The situation in Falta had already been tense prior to polling, with political friction escalating between candidates and election observers. The constituency witnessed verbal confrontations involving a special police observer and representatives of the All India Trinamool Congress candidate, further intensifying the pre-election atmosphere.
On polling day, scattered incidents of electoral violence were reported, adding to concerns over the fairness of the voting process. Clashes between supporters of rival political parties were also reported on Friday, underscoring the fragile law-and-order situation in certain pockets.
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Earlier, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s state unit had demanded a complete re-poll in the Falta constituency, citing widespread irregularities. The Election Commission’s ongoing scrutiny and potential expansion of re-polling efforts indicate a serious approach toward addressing these complaints.
As re-polling progresses, all eyes remain on how authorities manage the situation and whether further corrective measures will be announced. The developments in South 24 Parganas could have broader implications for the credibility of the electoral process in the state.
