theTripurapost News Images

EC orders re-poll in Bengal’s Falta constituency

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Kolkata
  • May 03, 2026
  • 118

The Election Commission of India has cancelled polling in the Falta Assembly constituency of West Bengal following allegations of EVM malfunction and violence during the second phase of polling held on April 29.

The Commission has ordered fresh polling at all 285 booths in the constituency on May 21, while the results will now be announced on May 24. The decision came after reports emerged that tape had allegedly been placed in front of the BJP button on an EVM at one of the polling booths.

Earlier on Saturday, re-polling was conducted at 11 booths in Magrahat West and four booths in Diamond Harbour. According to reports, voter turnout in the 15 booths touched nearly 90 percent.

Tension was also reported from South 24 Parganas district, where clashes broke out between workers of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Security personnel intervened to bring the situation under control.

Several voters in Falta accused TMC supporters of attacking them after they cast their votes. Some alleged that police resorted to lathi-charge when they protested, leaving many with injuries to their legs, heads and hands.

Meanwhile, the TMC alleged that security forces vandalised the party’s camp at booth number 127 in Magrahat and assaulted party workers.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing counting agents through video conferencing on Saturday, expressed confidence that the TMC would secure more than 200 seats in the Assembly elections.

The re-poll decision follows multiple complaints of EVM tampering and violence reported during the second phase of voting. All the affected booths are located in South 24 Parganas district.

The TMC has also lodged a complaint against the returning officer at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, alleging tampering with postal ballot covers.

West Bengal recorded a massive voter turnout of 92.84 percent across all 294 Assembly constituencies. The first phase of polling on April 23 saw 93.19 percent turnout across 152 seats, while the second phase on April 29 recorded 92.48 percent turnout in 142 constituencies. Election results are scheduled to be declared on May 4.