EC Orders Repoll in Falta Amid TMC-BJP Clash

Abhishek Banerjee challenges BJP to fight polls in Falta as repoll ordered in all 285 booths; TMC alleges BJP car entered strong room in Kolkata

Tension gripped West Bengal's political circles on Sunday as the Election Commission ordered fresh polling across all 285 booths in the Falta assembly constituency on May 21, following allegations of severe electoral malpractices during the April 29 phase-two voting. The decision, which covers the South 24 Parganas seat falling under Abhishek Banerjee's Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha turf, drew sharp barbs from both Trinamool Congress and BJP leaders ahead of Monday's vote counting.

Falta Repoll Trigger

Reports from the ground pointed to EVM tampering claims, with BJP alleging that party buttons were taped over at several booths in Falta, blocking voters from selecting their symbol. "People in Falta haven't been able to vote freely for years," BJP's Dilip Ghosh said earlier, highlighting intimidation by local mafia.[query] The EC cited "subversion of the democratic process" in its order, prompting repoll across the entire constituency despite heavy security deployment.

Abhishek's Bold Dare

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee fired back on X, slamming BJP as "Bengal Birodhi" and challenging them to contest Falta themselves. "It will take ten lifetimes for them to dent the Diamond Harbour model," he posted, responding to BJP's Amit Malviya who claimed the model had crumbled. Sources close to TMC said Banerjee's post aimed to rally workers amid the repoll buzz, with party agents instructed to stay vigilant at counting centers.

Strong Room Stir

In Kolkata, a TMC worker alleged a white car bearing BJP's logo and "Army" markings entered a Bhabanipur strong room unchecked on Saturday, sparking protests outside Sakhawat Memorial school.[query] "Police didn't even stop it—how can any vehicle go inside?" the worker told ANI, as heavy security blanketed the site. BJP dismissed it as TMC drama, with women workers planning 24-hour vigils outside strong rooms statewide.

SC Backs EC Move

The Supreme Court refused to meddle in TMC's plea against deploying central employees as counting staff, directing EC to follow its circular "in letter and spirit." Justices P S Narasimha and Joymallya Bagchi noted the poll body's autonomy, while EC ramped up oversight with 165 extra counting observers and 77 police observers across Bengal.

Pre-Counting Prayers

BJP candidates hit temples ahead of May 4 counting—Ghatal's Sital Kapat at Vishalakshi, Kolkata Port's Rakesh Singh locally, and Shyampukur's Purnima Chakraborty at Durgeshwar Mahadev.[query] Rakesh Singh exuded confidence: "Celebrations have begun; TMC won't be seen even through a telescope."[query] TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, meanwhile, held a Purulia workshop urging agents not to budge from centers.

Security Layers Tighten

EC announced three-layer security at counting halls in Bengal and other states, amid accusations of booth capturing and violence in Falta.[query] BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla called Monday's results the end of TMC's "reign of terror," while state BJP chief Sanjay Saraogi predicted Mamata's defeat based on exit polls.[query] TMC hit back, blaming EC lapses.

What's Next

With repoll set for May 21 and results due tomorrow, Falta remains a flashpoint testing Bengal's poll machinery. BJP plans temple runs and vigils, as TMC eyes its strongholds. Observers say heightened security could ease tensions, but ground reports suggest agents from both sides are on high alert.

BJP Files EC Complaint Over Kharge’s ‘Terrorist’ Remark on PM

Party demands apology amid poll eve heat; Yogi slams Mamata at Bengal rally ahead of Phase 1 voting

Lead Facts

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders approached the Election Commission on Tuesday against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "terrorist" at a Chennai rally. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju demanded strict action and a public apology from Kharge. The EC has heard the complaint and assured appropriate steps, sources indicated.

Kharge's Rally Slip

Kharge made the remark on the last day of campaigning for Tamil Nadu assembly polls, which ended Monday. He later clarified that he meant the PM "terrorises" opponents using agencies like ED and CBI. Congress sources said the statement targeted alleged misuse of central machinery.

BJP's Sharp Response

Rijiju told reporters the Congress must apologise to the nation for insulting the PM. He added terrorism would end under Modi's leadership despite such barbs. BJP memorandum to EC cited Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections on defamation and voter influence.

Yogi Hits Mamata

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed a rally in Kolkata's Jorasanko area for BJP's second-phase push. He accused Mamata Banerjee of irritation over Lord Ram's name and denying Durga Puja permissions. Yogi contrasted Bengal's "lawlessness" with UP's "Ram Rajya" peace post-2017.

Rally Highlights

A child waved a "Yogi Ji, bring bulldozer" poster at the event, drawing cheers. Yogi predicted BJP would bag 80% seats in West Bengal's first phase and hoist the saffron flag by May 4. He pitched the "double engine" model for development.

Poll Eve Buzz

Polling teams received EVMs from centres like Midnapore College and Chepauk amid tight security. International delegates observed distributions in Tamil Nadu for transparency. Campaigning ended April 20 for Tamil Nadu's 234 seats and Bengal's Phase 1 (152 seats), both voting Thursday. Counting follows May 4.thehindu+2

Tamil Nadu seized over ₹543 crore in cash and materials, lodged 163 FIRs on social media violations, per CEC Archana Patnaik. Bengal saw EVMs reach remote hills; TMC's Abhishek Banerjee promised ongoing women schemes.

Broader Impact

The row sharpens BJP-Congress tussle in poll-bound states, where opposition stays fragmented. Kejriwal backed Mamata, alleging institutional misuse. Himanta Sarma urged "Jai Shri Ram" alongside other greetings at a Kalna rally. Public discourse heats up on free voting and security.

Road Ahead

Phase 1 polls kick off April 23 in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, with Bengal's second phase April 29. EC monitors violations closely; parties eye voter turnout amid seizures and alerts. Outcomes could reshape southern and eastern politics, as per reports.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress during rallies in West Bengal on Monday. He accused the Mamata Banerjee government of embezzling Rs 5,000 crore through multiple scams. Sources close to the BJP said the speeches aimed to fire up cadres before the first polling phase on April 23.

Rally Highlights

Shah addressed crowds in Mayureswar, Bolpur, and Birbhum districts. He warned TMC goons to stay home on polling day or face jail after May 5. "People of Bengal will reply to bombs with votes," he declared, pushing for a double-engine BJP government.

Scam Allegations

The minister listed teacher recruitment, cow smuggling, and ration scams as evidence of TMC graft. "BJP will make scamsters pay every penny," Shah asserted at Mayureswar. Reports indicated these charges resonate in rural Birbhum, hit by violence allegations.

Infiltrators Issue

Shah promised nationwide action against infiltrators, claiming Mamata opposes Election Commission lists. He linked this to border fencing delays, vowing land handover within 45 days of BJP victory. Officials noted heightened security concerns near Bangladesh borders.

Bose Joins TMC

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's grandson Chandra Kumar Bose quit BJP for TMC on Sunday. "BJP practices divisive politics and communal hatred," Bose said after induction by ministers Bratya Basu and MP Kirti Azad. He had lost 2016 assembly and 2019 Lok Sabha polls on BJP ticket.timesofindia.

Poll Background

West Bengal votes in two phases: April 23 and 29, with results on May 4 or 5. BJP eyes gains after 2021 setbacks, targeting TMC strongholds like Birbhum. Mamata countered, alleging BJP's Rs 1,000 crore plot to topple her regime.

Safety Concerns

Shah pledged no repeat of Sandeshkhali, RG Kar, or law college horrors under BJP rule. He slammed Mamata for riots in Murshidabad, Ram Navami attacks, and Saraswati Puja curbs. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari echoed: women unsafe, jobs scarce.

Official Reactions

"TMC more dangerous than a poisonous snake," Mamata shot back.[query context] Congress MP Karti Chidambaram defended Tamil Nadu's Hindu credentials amid southern campaigns.[query context] BJP's Nitin Nabin roadshowed in Tamil Nadu, but Bengal dominated discourse.

Voter Impact

Charges of cut-money, syndicates, and infiltrators sway undecided voters in Birbhum's 11 seats. Public interest stories highlight women's safety and jobs as key issues. Analysts see BJP consolidating Hindu votes, TMC leaning on welfare schemes.

Path Ahead

Shah's three rallies signal aggressive BJP push till April 23. TMC banks on Bose's entry for nationalist appeal. Counting on May 5 could reshape national politics, with double-engine promises in focus. Latest news today from English news portal India tracks these government updates.