BJP had claimed that button for BJP had been taped at at a booth in Falta
In a rare move, the election commission on Saturday order “fresh” polling in the entire constituency of Falta on May 21. Citing, “subversion of democratic process”, it announce its decision with counting scheduled for May 24. The Election Commission’s decision to order a repoll in parts of Falta assembly constituency follows allegations of electoral irregularities raised during the second phase of polling on April 29.The BJP had claimed that its party symbol on electronic voting machines (EVMs) was allegedly taped over at several booths in the constituency, preventing voters from selecting its option. Party leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, flagged the issue with senior leadership, while BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya described it as the “Diamond Harbour Model” and demanded immediate corrective action.Specific polling stations, including one at Harindanga High School and booth number 189, were cited by the party as being affected.The West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer had responded at the time that any such complaints would be verified and that confirmed instances would lead to repolling.Following reports from returning officers, observers, and what the poll body termed “material circumstances,” the Election Commission subsequently ordered repolling in select booths, including in Falta, to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. The move comes amid heightened political tensions in the Diamond Harbour region, with both the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress accusing each other of influencing the polling process.
Repolling held in South 24 Parganas on May 2
Repolling across 15 polling booths in two assembly constituencies of South 24 Parganas district was conducted on May 2 under tight security, with high voter turnout recorded.According to officials, polling remained largely peaceful across 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour, with turnout crossing 86 per cent.The repoll had been ordered following complaints of irregularities during the April 29 voting phase.An isolated incident at a booth in Diamond Harbour triggered protests after the Trinamool Congress alleged harassment of a specially abled voter and his mother by central forces. Authorities said the situation was brought under control and polling continued without major disruption.
SC declines TMC plea on counting staff
The Supreme Court, earlier in the day, refused to pass any directions on the Trinamool Congress’ plea challenging the deployment of Central government staff in the vote counting process for the West Bengal assembly elections.A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi recorded the Election Commission’s assurance that its April 13 circular would be implemented and said no further orders were necessary.The TMC had moved the court after the Calcutta High Court rejected its challenge. During the hearing, the court noted that the Returning Officer, a State government official, retains overall control of the counting process, and that party-appointed agents would be present.The Election Commission told the court that both Central and State government personnel would be deployed, with one from each serving as counting supervisor and assistant. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.Read more: Special SC bench rejects TMC’s plea on counting staff
Mamata Banerjee confident of TMC victory
Amid the ongoing electoral process and controversies, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed confidence that the Trinamool Congress would secure a decisive victory in the assembly elections.Addressing counting agents via video conferencing, she dismissed exit poll projections, calling them an attempt to “manipulate the stock market.”“We are winning and winning by 200+ seats. Exit polls are nothing but an attempt to manipulate the stock market. They did in 2021, 2024, and now,” she said.Banerjee also alleged that central forces had acted arbitrarily during polling and said party workers who faced such actions would be “rewarded.”Read more: Mamata Banerjee trashes Bengal exit polls, predicts over 200 seats for TMC Go to Source
