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.

IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma has just started his new posting with the West Bengal government, and it’s caused quite a stir behind the scenes. He’s a 2011-batch officer from Uttar Pradesh, and people in police circles know him for his “encounter specialist” reputation. Now, he’s landed in the politically sensitive South 24 Parganas district.

Sharma’s timing couldn’t be more critical. West Bengal’s assembly elections are underway, and tensions are running high. Both the BJP and the Election Commission say he’s there as an “observer” to keep voting clean and fair.

Still, his appointment has already sparked political drama. Local TMC leaders and others are raising eyebrows at Sharma’s past record. The situation’s heated enough that someone has taken it all the way to the Supreme Court with a PIL, arguing that his selection breaks standard safeguards for neutral policing. On the other side, BJP insiders are standing by him. They call him a sort of “Singham”—tough, no-nonsense, and ready to handle any law and order challenge the elections throw at him.

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.

West Bengal Phase 2 Polls: 39.97% Turnout Till 11 AM Amid Sporadic Violence, EVM Complaints

Voting marred by attacks, machine glitches in key constituencies

Voter turnout of 39.97 per cent was recorded till 11 am on Wednesday across 142 constituencies in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, as long queues formed outside booths from as early as 5:30 am despite rain lashing several parts of the state.

The first phase on April 23 had seen 41.11 per cent turnout at the same hour, eventually closing at a record 92.88 per cent.

BJP candidate’s car attacked in South 24 Parganas

In Basanti, South 24 Parganas district, BJP candidate Bikash Sardar allegedly came under attack at Booth No. 76. Sources said a group of people smashed the windows of his vehicle and made an attempt to snatch the firearm from his security personnel. Sardar was present at the booth during the incident.

EVM glitches, agent disputes reported across districts

Polling officials faced multiple disruptions through the morning. In Howrah’s Bally, a ruckus erupted following reports of malfunctioning electronic voting machines. Two CRPF personnel were detained in connection with the incident, according to sources familiar with the matter.

In Nadia’s Chapra, a BJP polling agent alleged that TMC workers attacked him. A scuffle also broke out between supporters of the TMC and the Indian Secular Front in Hooghly over accusations of fake polling agents being deployed.

Mamata alleges police excesses, BJP rigging attempts

Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur, Mamata Banerjee, showed a picture on her mobile phone to media persons, alleging police excesses in Bhangar. She named the Officer-in-Charge and questioned whether people would still vote after such incidents.

Describing the election as a "festival of democracy," Banerjee claimed the BJP was attempting to "forcefully rig" the polls. She also alleged that CRPF personnel raided a councillor’s home in Ward No. 70 last night without police presence, vandalising the house when only the councillor’s wife and children were present.

Long queues, exhausted voters in Ichhapur and North Barrackpore

In Ichhapur, Barrackpore, voters reported waiting since 6 am with many still unable to cast their ballots by 10:30 am. Locals alleged possible EVM malfunction causing delays. Several women were seen seated on the ground, visibly exhausted and hungry but refusing to leave without voting. A young woman who was unwell had been waiting since 7:30 am.

North Barrackpore saw particularly long queues of women voters.

High-stakes contest in Bhabanipur

The most closely watched constituency remains Bhabanipur, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faces a formidable challenge from BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari—the same opponent who defeated her in Nandigram during the 2021 polls.

If the TMC secures victory in 2026, Banerjee will become Chief Minister for a fourth consecutive term, a first for any woman in India. The Left Front ruled West Bengal for nearly 34 years before the TMC ended its reign in 2011.

Counting scheduled for May 4

A total of 1,448 candidates, including 220 women, are contesting in this phase. Around 3.21 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots. Counting of votes across all phases will be held on May 4.