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.