20.47% Voter Turnout Recorded in Falta Repoll Till 9 AM

Falta Assembly bypoll sees moderate early turnout amid heavy security as repolling gets underway in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district.

Polling is underway for the much-awaited repoll in the Falta Assembly constituency in West Bengal on Thursday, with authorities reporting a voter turnout of 20.47 per cent till 9 am. Voting began at 7 am across 285 polling stations and is scheduled to continue till 6 pm.

The Election Commission of India has significantly ramped up security measures for the exercise. Officials have doubled the deployment, placing eight security personnel at each booth compared to four during the original polling on April 29.

Heightened Security and Preparations

Local authorities confirmed that the additional forces were deployed following complaints of irregularities during the initial round of voting. The move aims to ensure free and fair polling in a constituency that has witnessed tension in recent weeks. 

Polling stations opened on time, with voters seen queuing up in several areas from early morning. Election officials said the process was proceeding smoothly in the initial hours, though they remained vigilant.

Why Repolling Was Ordered

The Election Commission had ordered fresh polling in Falta after receiving multiple complaints on April 29. Reports emerged from several booths alleging that tape was pasted over the BJP symbol on the EVMs, potentially affecting voter choice. There were also claims of EVM malfunctioning at multiple locations.

The then observer, Subrata Gupta, visited the constituency and conducted an on-ground inquiry. Evidence of tampering was reportedly found in at least 60 booths. Additionally, attempts to manipulate webcam footage at some polling stations came to light during the investigation. 

These developments prompted the Commission to announce repolling to restore voter confidence in the democratic process.

TMC Candidate Withdraws, Symbol Remains

The contest in Falta remains primarily between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, though the dynamics shifted recently. TMC candidate Jahangir Khan announced his withdrawal from the race just two days ago on May 18. However, his name and the party’s symbol will continue to appear on the EVMs, as the withdrawal came after the nomination process had concluded.

A total of six candidates are in the fray for this repoll.

Political History of Falta Seat

Falta has traditionally been a tough battleground. Once considered a CPI(M) stronghold, the seat shifted towards the Trinamool Congress, which first won it in 2001. After a brief CPI(M) comeback in 2006, TMC has held the seat continuously since 2011. Notably, the BJP is yet to register a victory here.

In the broader South 24 Parganas district, which has 31 Assembly seats, the BJP made notable gains in the last elections, winning 10 seats outside of Falta. The party succeeded in both rural pockets like Sagar, Kakdwip, and Gosaba, as well as urban segments such as Jadavpur, Tollygunge, and Behala. TMC, however, retained strongholds including Basanti, Kultali, and Raidighi.

Public Interest and Next Steps

The repoll in Falta has drawn considerable attention across the state, coming just weeks after the main Assembly election phase. The final results for this seat are expected to be declared on May 24 along with other pending counts.

Voters in the area expressed mixed reactions, with some hoping for a smoother process this time. Local residents said issues like EVM credibility had created some scepticism, making the repoll an important test for restoring faith in the electoral machinery.

Officials urged voters to exercise their franchise peacefully and assured all necessary arrangements were in place to prevent any untoward incidents. Monitoring teams and senior observers are stationed in the constituency to oversee the proceedings till the end of polling.

As the day progresses, turnout figures are expected to rise steadily. The Election Commission will continue to release periodic updates on voter participation throughout the day.

West Bengal Repolling: 38.2% Turnout in Magrahat West Till 11 AM

Re-polling at 15 booths in Diamond Harbour, Magrahat West sees steady turnout amid tight security and EVM complaints, with officials monitoring closely for fair process.

KOLKATA: Re-polling kicked off at 7 am on Saturday across 15 polling booths in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, focusing on four stations in Diamond Harbour and 11 in Magrahat West. By 11 am, officials reported 38.2% voter turnout in Magrahat West and 35.92% in Diamond Harbour, building on earlier figures of 16.68% and 15.83% till 9 am respectively.

The Election Commission ordered the fresh voting after complaints of clashes and alleged EVM tampering during the second phase polls on April 29. Polling will run till 6 pm under heavy security, with Rapid Action Force teams deployed in Magrahat Paschim and central forces at key spots.

Early Morning Glitches

Things didn't start smoothly everywhere. At a Diamond Harbour booth, voting halted for nearly an hour due to an EVM malfunction, leading to long queues and frustrated voters. One voter alleged delays from the glitch, while visuals showed lines snaking outside Bagda Junior High School's booth number 117.

In Magrahat Paschim, booths 126 and 127 at Najra saw heavy turnout from the word go, with queues forming well before opening. Security personnel assisted elderly voters, and a woman was spotted casting her vote with an infant in Diamond Harbour.

Security Blanket Thickens

Authorities ramped up measures amid the scrutiny. Tight security marked proceedings, especially after recent strong room controversies. CCTV at Barasat Government College's strong room was found switched off, fueling tensions, while forces guarded Netaji Indoor Stadium and Jadavpur counting centre.

Local officials confirmed no major incidents so far, but monitoring remains intense. Initial reports indicate a peaceful flow despite the hiccups.

Political Crossfire Heats Up

Leaders from both sides weighed in. BJP's Dilip Ghosh from Kharagpur Sadar dismissed unrest claims, accusing TMC of "political theatrics" and "drama outside" to fire up workers. "No problem anywhere on the ground," he insisted.

In Diamond Harbour, BJP's Goursundar Ghosh flagged irregularities but expressed victory confidence. Suvendu Adhikari alleged contractual staff in vote counting and pushed for more re-polling booths, saying it "should have happened in more places." BJP MP Rahul Sinha backed the process, while candidate Arjun Singh from Noapara supported fresh voting over tampering claims.

TMC faced barbs too. BJP's Purnima Chakraborty targeted Shashi Panja, calling her strong room allegations "drama" born of "fear of defeat." Panja visited Netaji Indoor Stadium's strong room earlier, amid TMC claims of issues at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra.

Voter Turnout Builds

The midday numbers suggest steady participation. Magrahat West's 38.2% edged ahead of Diamond Harbour's 35.92%, with visuals from booth 243 and 194 showing brisk movement. Sukanta Majumdar linked high turnout to BJP support.

Meanwhile, TMC gears up separately. Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee will brief counting agents virtually this afternoon, two days before results, to coordinate strategy.

Strong Room Shadows Linger

The re-polling unfolds against a backdrop of strong room rows. Post-April 29 polls, TMC leaders alleged irregularities in EVM storage, with Mamata and Suvendu Adhikari visiting sites. BJP candidates countered that "strong rooms are safe, EVMs secure."

Sources familiar with the matter said the EC aimed to restore faith through these measures. No fresh complaints of violence surfaced by midday.

This exercise in South 24 Parganas could influence close races, with eyes now on smooth closure and results. Officials expect turnout to climb higher by evening, as polling continues without further major hitches.

WB Phase 2: Over 61% turnout till 1 pm as TMC faces ‘litmus test’ in bastions

Polling is currently underway for 142 seats across South Bengal and Kolkata, with the Trinamool Congress defending its traditional strongholds against a surging BJP.

Kolkata: Long queues were visible outside polling booths across South Bengal on Wednesday morning as West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 61.11 per cent till 1 pm in the second phase of the 2026 Assembly Elections.

According to data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the polling process has remained largely brisk despite the rising afternoon heat. Hooghly district is currently leading the charts with a 64.57 per cent turnout, while Howrah followed closely at 60.68 per cent. In the state capital, Kolkata North saw 60.18 per cent polling, while Kolkata South registered a slightly lower 57.73 per cent turnout by early afternoon.

High stakes in South Bengal

This phase is being widely described by political analysts as the "litmus test" for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Of the 142 seats up for grabs today, the Mamata Banerjee-led party had secured a staggering 123 seats during the 2021 assembly polls.

The belt currently voting includes the party’s most reliable fortresses in South Bengal and the urban heart of Kolkata. For the TMC, maintaining its dominance here is essential for securing a fourth consecutive term. Conversely, the BJP is putting up a spirited challenge, hoping to capitalize on anti-incumbency and make significant inroads into the urban "bhadralok" vote and the influential Matua community pockets in Nadia.

Heavy polling in districts

Ground reports suggest a steady flow of voters since 7 am. In Nadia, which recorded 61.41 per cent polling till 1 pm, rural voters turned out in large numbers to beat the midday sun.

The ECI has deployed a massive security apparatus to ensure a peaceful process. Over 41,001 polling stations have been set up for this phase, which caters to an electorate of 3.21 crore. Notably, more than 8,000 booths are being managed entirely by women, a move aimed at encouraging female participation in what has historically been a high-turnout state.

Battle for the ‘Big Five’

While the numbers are impressive across the board, the spotlight remains fixed on the "Big Five" urban contests. Bhabanipur, the Chief Minister’s own backyard, remains the most watched seat. However, Tollyganj—the hub of the Bengali film industry—has also emerged as a high-profile battleground with several celebrity candidates in the fray.

The BJP’s strategy in this phase has focused heavily on highlighting issues of urban infrastructure and "syndicate culture," while the TMC has doubled down on its welfare schemes, particularly targeting women voters who have been a cornerstone of their electoral success.

Logistics and candidate profile

A total of 1,448 candidates are testing their luck today, including 220 women. Local authorities in Kolkata confirmed that while there were minor reports of technical glitches with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in a few pockets of Howrah and Kolkata South, these were swiftly addressed by booth officials to prevent any significant delays.

Looking ahead to May 4

As the day progresses, the focus will shift to the final turnout figures, which often cross the 80 per cent mark in West Bengal. In the 2021 edition, this specific belt saw intense polarization, and the current momentum suggests that the 2026 battle is being fought with equal, if not greater, intensity.

The fate of these 142 seats will be sealed in the ballot boxes by early evening, with the final counting of votes scheduled for May 4. For now, all eyes remain on the remaining hours of polling as the state decides whether the TMC’s "South Bengal fortress" remains intact or if the BJP has finally breached the wall.

EC Suspends 5 Officers in Bengal Polls

Election Commission cracks down on Diamond Harbour police for neutrality lapses post phase one voting. Rahul Gandhi campaigns in three key spots today amid high-stakes battle.

The Election Commission of India suspended five police officers in West Bengal's Diamond Harbour district on Saturday for serious misconduct and failing to uphold poll neutrality. The move targets lapses during the ongoing 2026 Legislative Assembly elections, just after the first phase recorded over 90% voter turnout.

Disciplinary proceedings started immediately against the officials. Sources indicated the action stemmed from a Chief Electoral Officer report dated April 22.

Suspended Officers

Authorities named the following in the order: Sandip Garai, Additional SP, Diamond Harbour; Sajal Mondal, SDPO, Diamond Harbour; Mausam Chakraborty, Inspector-in-Charge, Diamond Harbour Police Station; Ajay Bag, Inspector-in-Charge, Falta Police Station; and Subhechha Bag, Officer-in-Charge, Usthi Police Station.

The EC directed swift compliance and warned the local SP for oversight failures.

This marks the latest in a series of suspensions to enforce model code rules.

Rahul's Rally Schedule

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addresses three rallies today. He kicks off at 3 pm in Hooghly, moves to Shahid Minar Ground in Kolkata at 4:45 pm, and wraps at High School Ground in South 24 Parganas by 5:45 pm.news.

Permissions cleared after earlier hurdles, party sources said.

The events target key phase two areas amid tight campaigns.

Phase One Turnout Surge

West Bengal saw historic polling in 152 constituencies across 16 districts. Turnout hit 91.91% to 92.88%, with women and first-timers driving numbers.newsonair.

Coochbehar topped at 96.04%, sources reported.

High participation signals strong public mood post deletions from rolls.

TMC Claims Century

TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee declared his party scored a "century" in phase one. During a Diamond Harbour roadshow Friday, he said BJP leaders panic and push false narratives via media.

"I’m not an astrologer, but my predictions hold," Banerjee added.

He predicted TMC dominance in 152 seats.

BJP's Bold Forecasts

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed BJP wins 110 seats in phase one, eyeing 200 overall. At a Baguiati rally Friday, he vowed to oust infiltrators if voted in.

"We will reach double century in Bengal," Sarma asserted.

Party spokesperson CR Kesavan slammed TMC's "anarchic misrule."

EC's Neutrality Push

The suspensions underscore EC's zero-tolerance on poll code violations. Officials acted on verified reports of bias in sensitive Diamond Harbour, a TMC stronghold.

A compliance report due by 11 am Saturday.

Such steps aim to restore faith in free polls.

Voter Impact Unfolds

Actions reassure voters amid claims of arbitrary deletions disenfranchising lakhs, as Congress MP Manish Tewari noted. High turnout counters bias fears.deccanherald

Public watches for fair phase two.

Campaign Heats Up

RJD's Tejashwi Yadav backed Mamata Banerjee for a fourth term during North 24 Parganas roadshows. BJP candidates like Dilip Ghosh sense change mood.youtube

TMC slams Union HM Amit Shah's visits.

Tamil Nadu Records 82.24% Voter Turnout Till 5 PM; ‘CM Stalin Will Come to Power,’ Says DMK Candidate OPS; TVK Flags Lack of Transport for Voters

Tamil Nadu recorded a robust 82.24 per cent voter turnout by 5 pm on Thursday in the single-phase Assembly elections, with polling remaining largely peaceful across the state’s 234 constituencies. The Election Commission reported steady queues at urban and rural booths alike, though opposition parties raised logistical concerns.

Stellar Turnout Across Constituencies

Polling began at 7 am and continued uninterrupted. By 3 pm, the state had registered 70 per cent voting, which climbed sharply to 82.24 per cent two hours later. Chennai city trailed slightly with 54.58 per cent polling till 1 pm, but officials expect final numbers to cross 75 per cent after evening voting.

OPS Confident of DMK’s Return

Former Chief Minister and DMK candidate from Bodinayakkanur, O. Panneerselvam, expressed full confidence in his alliance’s performance. “The people have backed development and stability. Chief Minister Stalin will come back to power with a strong mandate,” Panneerselvam said after casting his vote. His statement signals DMK’s aggressive bid to retain control amid a multi-cornered contest.

TVK Submits Transport Complaint

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) General Secretaries N. Anand and Aadhav Arjuna met Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik on Thursday afternoon. They submitted a petition highlighting inadequate public transport to polling stations, especially in Chennai’s peripheral areas.

Earlier, TVK chief and actor Vijay had written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, demanding two-hour extension of polling hours and immediate bus services for voters stranded at city terminals. The EC has not yet responded formally.

Celebrities and Elderly Lead by Example

Actor Rajinikanth cast his vote at a Chennai booth alongside wife Latha Rajinikanth. Kamal Haasan and Shruti Haasan were also seen exercising their franchise. In Coimbatore, a robot named ‘Tina’ dressed in traditional attire welcomed voters and offered sweets at Government Arts College.

An 85-year-old specially abled voter, Kandasamy, cast his ballot in Karur. A 110-year-old woman also turned up at her local polling station, underscoring high enthusiasm among senior citizens.

EVM Glitches and Security Arrangements

An EVM malfunction at an Avadi booth delayed voting by over an hour. Officials replaced the machine swiftly. Chennai Police Commissioner Abhin Dinesh Modak confirmed deployment of over 28,000 personnel, including Home Guards. “No untoward incident reported so far,” he said.

Visually impaired voter Chandrasekaran thanked the Election Commission for braille-enabled EVMs and wheelchair access. “We had planned a boycott but voted after officials assured improvements,” he told reporters.

What Next in Tamil Nadu Elections 2026

Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. With turnout crossing 82 per cent, political analysts expect a keen contest among DMK-led alliance, AIADMK, BJP, and TVK. The EC will release final turnout figures after postal ballot inclusions. Transport concerns raised by TVK may lead to formal show-cause notices to district officials.

As Tamil Nadu awaits results, the high participation signals strong public engagement in the democratic process. Officials urge voters to verify their names on electoral rolls before the next phase of national elections later this year.

The Assembly Election 2026 LIVE developments indicate a strong voter turnout across key states, with West Bengal recording 78 per cent polling and Tamil Nadu touching 70 per cent by 3 pm on Thursday. Voting is underway for 152 seats in the first phase in West Bengal, while Tamil Nadu is polling across all 234 constituencies in a single phase.

Officials described the turnout as “significant”, reflecting strong voter participation despite reports of disruptions from multiple districts.

Violence in Bengal

Polling day in West Bengal witnessed sporadic violence, particularly in South Midnapore district. BJP candidate Suvendu Sarkar from the Kumargram constituency was allegedly attacked by a group of people while campaigning near a polling booth.

Visuals circulating online show Sarkar attempting to flee as his security personnel tried to shield him. Despite this, the crowd reportedly caught up and assaulted him. Local authorities have not issued a detailed statement, but sources indicated that security deployment has been intensified in the area.

Attack on candidate

In another incident, BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul from the Asansol South seat reported an attack on her vehicle in the Rahmatnagar area of Burnpur. According to her account, unidentified individuals pelted stones at her car as she was leaving a polling station.

The rear windshield of the vehicle was damaged. Paul later approached the Hirapur police station and lodged a formal complaint. Police officials confirmed receiving the complaint and said an investigation is underway.

Clashes reported widely

Several districts in West Bengal reported clashes between workers of the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). These incidents, though localised, added to tensions on polling day.

According to officials, security forces intervened in multiple areas to disperse crowds and maintain order. No large-scale disruption of voting has been reported so far, but authorities are monitoring sensitive booths closely.

EVM glitches surface

Apart from violence, complaints regarding malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) emerged from several polling stations in both states. Voters in parts of West Bengal alleged delays due to faulty machines, leading to temporary interruptions.

Election officials acknowledged the complaints and said replacement machines were deployed promptly to ensure minimal disruption. Similar reports were also noted in Tamil Nadu, though officials maintained that polling continued smoothly overall.

Tamil Nadu polling

Tamil Nadu witnessed relatively peaceful polling compared to West Bengal, with steady voter turnout reported across urban and rural constituencies. Voters queued up since early morning, with participation remaining consistent through the day.

Election authorities credited extensive logistical planning and security arrangements for the orderly conduct of polling. No major incidents of violence were reported as of the latest updates.

What lies ahead

The Assembly Election 2026 LIVE coverage will continue to track polling completion, voter turnout revisions, and any late-day incidents. Counting of votes is expected to take place in the coming days, following the conclusion of all phases.

Political observers note that the high turnout could play a decisive role in shaping outcomes in both states. For now, authorities remain focused on ensuring peaceful completion of voting and addressing complaints swiftly.

Murshidabad Tense as Humayun Kabir Stages Sit-In After Clash

AJUP chief alleges police high-handedness during voting

Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief Humayun Kabir on Thursday staged a sit-in protest in Murshidabad’s Naoda area following a violent clash with Trinamool Congress workers, as West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 41.11 per cent till 11 am in the first phase of Assembly elections.

Clash Erupts During Morning Hours

Trouble broke out when Kabir arrived at the spot to assess the situation after a crude bomb was hurled late Wednesday night. Stones were pelted from both sides as TMC workers confronted the AJUP leader. Police and CRPF personnel rushed to control the enraged crowd.

Speaking to this portal, Kabir alleged that police were acting in a heavy-handed manner against his supporters. He claimed his party workers were being assaulted unnecessarily. The AJUP chief also asserted that clashes had broken out between BJP and TMC workers in Siliguri during polling.

EVM Glitches and Other Disturbances

Technical issues disrupted voting across multiple constituencies. Reports confirmed EVM malfunctions in Behrampore’s Kandi block, Malda’s Chanchal constituency, and Alipurduar’s Kalchini area. Each machine was replaced after brief delays.

In Uttar Dinajpur’s Chopra block, three women were allegedly assaulted by CRPF personnel. One woman reportedly sustained head injuries near Booth No. 163. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

Suvendu Adhikari Raises Allegations

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari cast his vote around 8 am at Booth No. 70 in Nandigram. He alleged that a Booth Level Officer was using her mobile phone to influence voters in favour of TMC. Adhikari said he intervened and asked her to stop immediately.

The Leader of the Opposition also claimed that a murder accused was threatening voters in the region. He asserted his fight was against TMC “goons” and not any religious community. BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul echoed similar sentiments, calling the ruling party a “criminal and goon party”.

Voter Turnout and Peaceful Spots

Despite the trouble in Murshidabad, long queues formed peacefully in Birbhum, Asansol, and Medinipur. An 88-year-old voter, Kalyani Mahato, praised the improved polling arrangements this year. Elderly and differently-abled voters turned out in large numbers across most districts.

By 9 am, Bengal had recorded 18.76 per cent voting. Tamil Nadu saw 37.56 per cent turnout by 11 am for its single-phase polling. High alert was declared in Bihar’s Kishanganj, Purnia and Katihar districts along the Bengal border due to cross-border voter movement.

Political Background and What Next

West Bengal is voting across 152 seats in this first phase. The primary contest remains between TMC and BJP. Mamata Banerjee seeks a fourth consecutive term, which would make her the first woman in India to achieve that feat. The remaining 142 seats go to polls on 29 April. Results will be declared on 4 May.