‘Subversion of democratic process’: EC orders fresh polling in West Bengal’s Falta constituency on May 21 | India News
In a rare move, the Election Commission on Saturday 21 May ordered “fresh” polling in the entire Falta constituency. Citing “serious electoral crimes subverting the democratic process”, it announced its decision as soon as counting began on May 24. The Election Commission’s decision to order a re-poll in some parts of Falta Assembly constituency follows allegations of electoral irregularities raised during the second phase of polling on April 29.“In view of the serious electoral crimes and the lapse of democratic process during polling in a large number of polling booths on April 29 in Phalta assembly constituency, the EC directed that fresh polling be conducted in all 285 polling booths including auxiliary polling booths,” the PTI spokesperson was quoted as saying.The BJP had claimed that the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) had its party symbol taped to several booths in the constituency, preventing voters from choosing its alternative. Party leaders including Subvendu Adhikari flagged the issue with the senior leadership, while BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya described it as the “Diamond Harbor model” and demanded immediate corrective action.The party mentioned that certain polling stations including the one at Harindanga High School and booth number 189 were affected.West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer responded at the time that any such allegations would be verified and confirmed incidents would lead to re-polling.Following reports from returning officers, observers and what the election body called “material circumstances”, the Election Commission later ordered re-polling in selected booths with effect to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.The move comes amid heightened political tension in the Diamond Harbor region, with both the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress accusing each other of influencing the polling process.Phalta Assembly constituency, which went to polls in Phase 2 of the West Bengal elections on 29 April 2026, saw a six-cornered contest. Trinamool Congress (TMC) main candidates include Jahangir Khan of Trinamool Congress, Devanshu Panda of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Abdur Razzak Mollah of Congress and Shambhu Nath Kurmi of CPI(M) along with independent candidates Deep Hati and Chandrakant Roy.
Re-polling was held in South 24 Parganas on May 2
Repolling across 15 polling stations in two assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas district was conducted amid tight security on May 2, with high voter turnout recorded.According to officials, polling across 11 booths in Magrahat West and four booths in Diamond Harbor was largely peaceful, with voter turnout crossing 86 percent.A re-poll was ordered following allegations of irregularities in the April 29 poll.An isolated incident at a booth in Diamond Harbor sparked protests after allegations of harassment of a specially-abled voter and his mother by Trinamool Congress central forces. Authorities said the situation was brought under control and polling continued without any major disruption.
SC rejected TMC’s plea on enumeration staff
The Supreme Court, earlier in the day, had refused to pass any order on the Trinamool Congress’ plea challenging the deployment of central government personnel in the counting process of the West Bengal Assembly elections.A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Jaimalya Bagchi recorded the Election Commission’s assurance that its April 13 notification would be implemented and said no further order was necessary.The TMC went to court after the Calcutta High Court rejected its challenge. During the hearing, the court noted that the Returning Officer, a state government official, maintains overall control of the counting process and party-appointed agents are present.The Election Commission told the court that central and state government employees would be deployed, with one from each acting as counting supervisor and assistant. Counting of votes is scheduled on May 4.Read more: A special SC bench rejected TMC’s plea regarding enumeration of workers
Mamata Banerjee is confident of Trinamool’s victory
Amid the ongoing election process and controversies, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed confidence that the Trinamool Congress will secure a decisive victory in the assembly elections.Addressing polling agents via video conferencing, he dismissed the exit poll projections, calling them an attempt to “manipulate the stock market”.“We won and won 200+ seats. Exit polls are nothing but an attempt to manipulate the stock market. They did it in 2021, 2024 and now,” he said.Banerjee also alleged that central forces acted arbitrarily during the polls and said party workers facing such actions “will be rewarded.”Read more: Mamata Banerjee trashes Bengal exit polls, predicts over 200 seats for TMC
