The results of the high-stakes West Bengal Assembly elections will be announced on May 4. However, counting will take place for 293 out of 294 seats. The result for the Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas has been postponed following allegations of violence, EVM tampering and voter intimidation.
The Election Commission has ordered re-polling across all booths in this constituency.
Why was voting cancelled?
Reports from the second phase of polling on April 29 pointed to serious irregularities. According to Election Commission observers, the voting environment was neither free nor peaceful.
BJP candidate Debangshu Panda alleged that white tape was placed over his party’s symbol at several booths, including booth number 177, preventing voters from identifying it. BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya shared a video on social media and demanded re-election.
There were also allegations of voter intimidation in the Belsing area. Local residents claimed that several women and a child were injured during a lathicharge by central forces deployed to control unrest.
In total, re-polling was demanded in 77 booths during the final phase, with 32 complaints coming from Falta alone.
Re-polling plan
The Election Commission has announced re-polling in 285 booths in Falta on May 21. The process will be conducted under strict security, with micro-observers and live webcasting at every booth. Counting for this constituency will take place on May 24.
Political reactions
The decision has triggered strong political reactions.
BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar welcomed the move, calling it a victory against alleged oppression by local Trinamool leaders. BJP candidate Tapas Roy also raised concerns about voting irregularities in nearby areas.
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee dismissed the allegations, defending his party’s performance and challenging opponents to contest politically.
While results for most of the state will be known on May 4, the final outcome in Falta will be decided later this month.
