Intimidation, unauthorised presence, tampering of votes — Why EC ordered repolling in Bengal’s Falta | India News
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (EC) has ordered a full re-election in West Bengal’s Falta Assembly constituency, annulled after the April 29 poll was described as a breakdown of the democratic process. All 285 polling stations in South 24 Parganas constituencies will now go to polls again on May 21 amid tight security, counting on May 24.The decision follows multiple reports of irregularities, including allegations of voter intimidation, unauthorized presence inside polling stations and possible rigging of voting machines. Officials said the commission reviewed detailed submissions of ground-level authorities, observers and available records before declaring the previous vote “void”.
What action led
According to the EC, the scale and seriousness of the allegations made it impossible to prove that the April 29 vote was free or fair. Observers flagged incidents of intimidation and interference inside booths, raising concerns about whether voters were able to exercise their franchise freely.One of the most serious allegations is that of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). BJP leaders claimed that in several booths, including one at Harindanga High School, the BJP symbol was partially covered, preventing voters from selecting their preferred option.
Who said what?
West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumder called the re-poll a “victory” for voters, especially women, who he claimed were intimidated during the polls.On the other hand, Trinamool Congress’ Abhishek Banerjee rejected the allegations and launched a counterattack, emboldening opposition leaders to contest the seat and defend their claims on the ground.The Congress also weighed in, with Rashid Alvi complaining that irregularities were rampant across West Bengal and Assam, calling the situation a “stain on democracy”.Polling day itself reflected the charged atmosphere. Heavy deployment of security forces, convoy movements and constant surveillance of political camps create an atmosphere of tension. The BJP has alleged that its party symbol has been taped on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at several polling stations in Falta.Candidates from Falta include Trinamool’s Jahangir Khan, BJP’s Debanshu Panda and Congress leader Abdur Razzak Mollah.
