West Bengal: Re-Polling Announced in Falta Amid Violence and EVM Row
ECI Cancels Falta Polling, Orders Re-Voting in All Booths on 21st: The Election Commission of India has cancelled polling in the Falta assembly constituency of West Bengal following allegations of EVM tampering and violence during the second phase of voting on April 29. Complaints included claims that a voting button on the electronic voting machine was covered with tape in one booth. In response, the Commission has ordered re-polling across all 285 booths in the constituency on May 21, with voting scheduled from 7 am to 6 pm. The final results will be announced on May 24.
The controversy intensified after voters in the South 24 Parganas district accused workers of the Trinamool Congress of assaulting them after they cast their votes. Protesters also alleged police action against them, resulting in multiple injuries. Meanwhile, clashes between supporters of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party were reported in several areas, although security forces managed to control the situation before it escalated further.
In a related development, re-polling was conducted in 15 booths across the Diamond Harbour and Magrahat West constituencies, where irregularities had also been reported earlier. Despite tensions, voter turnout remained high, with over 85% participation recorded. The Election Commission has increased monitoring by deploying observers and police personnel to ensure fair counting, which is scheduled shortly, as authorities aim to maintain transparency and restore public confidence in the electoral process.
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