‘Subversion of democratic process’: European Commission orders re-poll in West Bengal’s Falta constituency on May 21

In a rare move, the Electoral Commission on Saturday ordered a “re” vote to be held on May 21 in the entire Falta constituency. The committee announced its decision on the grounds of “serious electoral violations and subversion of the democratic process” and the counting of votes is scheduled for May 24. The Electoral Commission decided to order a re-poll in parts of the Falta parliamentary constituency after allegations of electoral irregularities were raised during the second phase of voting on April 29.“Considering serious electoral crimes and subversion of the democratic process during polling at a large number of polling stations in Falta constituency on April 29, the Election Commission has directed that fresh polling should be conducted at all 285 polling stations, including auxiliary polling stations,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying by PTI.The BJP claimed that party logos on its electronic voting machines (EVMs) were pasted at several polling stations in the constituency, preventing voters from choosing their option. Party leaders including Suvendu Adhikari raised the issue with senior leaders, while BJP IT unit chief Amit Malviya described it as a “Diamond Harbor model” and demanded immediate corrective action.The party said specific polling stations were affected, including one at Harindanga High School and polling station 189.West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer responded at the time that any such complaints would be verified and confirmation would lead to a re-poll.Based on reports from election officials, observers and what the polling agency called “material circumstances”, the electoral commission subsequently ordered re-voting at selected polling stations, including Falta, to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.The move comes amid heightened political tensions in the Diamond Harbor region, with both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the ruling Trinamool Congress party accusing each other of influencing the voting process.The Falta assembly constituency goes to polls in the second phase of the 2026 West Bengal elections on April 29 and there are six contests. Major candidates in the race include Trinamool Congress (TMC)’s Jahangir Khan, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s Debangshu Panda, Congress’s Abdur Razzak Molla, CPI(M)’s Sambhu Nath Kurmi, and independents Dip Hati and Chandrakanta Roy.

Re-poll to be held on May 2 in South 24 Parganas

Re-polling was held on May 2 at 15 polling stations in two constituencies of South 24 Parganas district amid tight security and the turnout was high.According to officials, voting remained largely peaceful at 11 polling stations in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbor, with turnout exceeding 86 per cent.The re-poll was ordered after complaints of irregularities during the April 29 voting phase.An isolated incident at a stall in Diamond Harbor triggered the protests after the Trinamool Congress accused central forces of harassing a specially-abled voter and his mother. Authorities said the situation was under control and voting was continuing without major disruptions.

SC rejects TMC’s request for vote counters

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court refused to pass any direction on a plea filed by the Trinamool Congress challenging the deployment of central government workers during the counting of votes in the West Bengal assembly elections.A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi recorded the Election Commission’s assurance that the April 13 notification would be implemented and said there was no need to issue further orders.The TMC approached the court after the Calcutta High Court dismissed its challenge. During the hearing, the court noted that the returning officer (state government official) retains full control over the counting process and that party-appointed agents will be present.The Election Commission told the court that central and state government personnel, one each, would be deployed as counting supervisors and assistants. Counting is scheduled for May 4.Read more: SC special committee rejects TMC’s plea against vote counters

Mamata Banerjee confident of TMC victory

Amid the ongoing electoral process and controversies, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed confidence that the Trinamool Congress will achieve a decisive victory in the assembly elections.Addressing vote counters via video conference, she dismissed the exit poll predictions as an attempt to “manipulate the stock market.”“We are winning and winning over 200 seats. The exit polls are nothing more than an attempt to manipulate the stock market. They are doing that in 2021, 2024 and now,” she said.Banerjee also alleged that central forces were acting arbitrarily during the polls and said party workers facing such acts would be “rewarded”.Read more: Mamata Banerjee slams Bengal exit polls, predicts TMC to win over 200 seats