BJP had claimed that button for BJP had been taped at at a booth in Falta In a rare move, the election commission on Saturday order “fresh” polling in the entire constituency of Falta on May 21. Citing, “subversion of democratic process”, it announce its decision with counting scheduled for May 24. The Election Commission’s decision to order a repoll in parts of Falta assembly constituency follows allegations of electoral irregularities raised during the second phase of polling on April 29.The BJP had claimed that its party symbol on electronic voting machines (EVMs) was allegedly taped over at several booths in the constituency, preventing voters from selecting its option. Party leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, flagged the issue with senior leadership, while BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya described it as the “Diamond Harbour Model” and demanded immediate corrective action.Specific polling stations, including one at Harindanga High School and booth number 189, were cited by the party as being affected.The West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer had responded at the time that any such complaints would be verified and that confirmed instances would lead to repolling.Following reports from returning officers, observers, and what the poll body termed “material circumstances,” the Election Commission subsequently ordered repolling in select booths, including in Falta, to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.The move comes amid heightened political tensions in the Diamond Harbour region, with both the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress accusing each other of influencing the polling process.The Falta assembly constituency, which went to polls in Phase 2 of the 2026 West Bengal elections on April 29, saw a six-cornered contest. The key candidates in the fray include Jahangir Khan of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Debangshu Panda of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Abdur Razzak Molla of the Congress, and Sambhu Nath Kurmi of the CPI(M), along with Independents Dip Hati and Chandrakanta Roy.Repolling held in South 24 Parganas on May 2Repolling across 15 polling booths in two assembly constituencies of South 24 Parganas district was conducted on May 2 under tight security, with high voter turnout recorded.According to officials, polling remained largely peaceful across 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour, with turnout crossing 86 per cent.The repoll had been ordered following complaints of irregularities during the April 29 voting phase.An isolated incident at a booth in Diamond Harbour triggered protests after the Trinamool Congress alleged harassment of a specially abled voter and his mother by central forces. Authorities said the situation was brought under control and polling continued without major disruption.SC declines TMC plea on counting staffThe Supreme Court, earlier in the day, refused to pass any directions on the Trinamool Congress’ plea challenging the deployment of Central government staff in the vote counting process for the West Bengal assembly elections.A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi recorded the Election Commission’s assurance that its April 13 circular would be implemented and said no further orders were necessary.The TMC had moved the court after the Calcutta High Court rejected its challenge. During the hearing, the court noted that the Returning Officer, a State government official, retains overall control of the counting process, and that party-appointed agents would be present.The Election Commission told the court that both Central and State government personnel would be deployed, with one from each serving as counting supervisor and assistant. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.Read more: Special SC bench rejects TMC’s plea on counting staffMamata Banerjee confident of TMC victoryAmid the ongoing electoral process and controversies, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed confidence that the Trinamool Congress would secure a decisive victory in the assembly elections.Addressing counting agents via video conferencing, she dismissed exit poll projections, calling them an attempt to “manipulate the stock market.”“We are winning and winning by 200+ seats. Exit polls are nothing but an attempt to manipulate the stock market. They did in 2021, 2024, and now,” she said.Banerjee also alleged that central forces had acted arbitrarily during polling and said party workers who faced such actions would be “rewarded.”Read more: Mamata Banerjee trashes Bengal exit polls, predicts over 200 seats for TMCAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCourt Rejects Nida Khan’s Anticipatory Bail in TCS Nashik Harassment and Conversion CaseCensus 2027 To Begin In UP From May 2026 With 5 Lakh Personnel, & Caste Data InclusionHome Minister Amit Shah Meets Sonam Wangchuk & Other Leaders in Leh Ahead Of TalksChhattisgarh IED Blast Kills 4 DRG Personnel During Defusal Operation Near Kanker-Narayanpur BorderIndia-Bound LPG Tanker Sarv Shakti On The Move Across Strait Of Hormuz: Why It Matters?Rae Bareli’s MCF Unveils First Vande Bharat Trainset, Boosting India’s Production CapacityDelhi Police Bust Inter-State Auto Theft Racket Spanning 5 States; 10 Arrested,31 Vehicles RecoveredIndia Tests Disaster Information System, Citizens Get ‘Extremely Severe Alert’ On PhonesIndia May Rethink Conventional Missile Strategy As Global Conflicts Redefine Warfare: Defence SecyPune: 4-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Sexually Assaulted and Murdered by 65 Year-Old-Man in Bhor123PhotostoriesBTS: Top 7 romantic songs to add to your playlistWest Bengal elections 2026: Key candidates and their declared assets ahead of resultsStop stretching like this: Common morning routine mistakes hurting your spineWhy curd turns sour faster in summer and how to control fermentation at homeYour feet may be revealing health problems you’re missingPink Guava vs white Guava: Which one is healthier and why it matters5 budget international trips under ₹50,000 from India this summer (with flights)Think you’re healthy? 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In a rare move, the election commission on Saturday order “fresh” polling in the entire constituency of Falta on May 21. Citing, “subversion of democratic process”, it announce its decision with counting scheduled for May 24. The Election Commission’s decision to order a repoll in parts of Falta assembly constituency follows allegations of electoral irregularities raised during the second phase of polling on April 29.The BJP had claimed that its party symbol on electronic voting machines (EVMs) was allegedly taped over at several booths in the constituency, preventing voters from selecting its option. Party leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, flagged the issue with senior leadership, while BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya described it as the “Diamond Harbour Model” and demanded immediate corrective action.Specific polling stations, including one at Harindanga High School and booth number 189, were cited by the party as being affected.The West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer had responded at the time that any such complaints would be verified and that confirmed instances would lead to repolling.Following reports from returning officers, observers, and what the poll body termed “material circumstances,” the Election Commission subsequently ordered repolling in select booths, including in Falta, to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.The move comes amid heightened political tensions in the Diamond Harbour region, with both the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress accusing each other of influencing the polling process.The Falta assembly constituency, which went to polls in Phase 2 of the 2026 West Bengal elections on April 29, saw a six-cornered contest. The key candidates in the fray include Jahangir Khan of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Debangshu Panda of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Abdur Razzak Molla of the Congress, and Sambhu Nath Kurmi of the CPI(M), along with Independents Dip Hati and Chandrakanta Roy.
Repolling held in South 24 Parganas on May 2
Repolling across 15 polling booths in two assembly constituencies of South 24 Parganas district was conducted on May 2 under tight security, with high voter turnout recorded.According to officials, polling remained largely peaceful across 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour, with turnout crossing 86 per cent.The repoll had been ordered following complaints of irregularities during the April 29 voting phase.An isolated incident at a booth in Diamond Harbour triggered protests after the Trinamool Congress alleged harassment of a specially abled voter and his mother by central forces. Authorities said the situation was brought under control and polling continued without major disruption.
SC declines TMC plea on counting staff
The Supreme Court, earlier in the day, refused to pass any directions on the Trinamool Congress’ plea challenging the deployment of Central government staff in the vote counting process for the West Bengal assembly elections.A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi recorded the Election Commission’s assurance that its April 13 circular would be implemented and said no further orders were necessary.The TMC had moved the court after the Calcutta High Court rejected its challenge. During the hearing, the court noted that the Returning Officer, a State government official, retains overall control of the counting process, and that party-appointed agents would be present.The Election Commission told the court that both Central and State government personnel would be deployed, with one from each serving as counting supervisor and assistant. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.Read more: Special SC bench rejects TMC’s plea on counting staff
Mamata Banerjee confident of TMC victory
Amid the ongoing electoral process and controversies, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed confidence that the Trinamool Congress would secure a decisive victory in the assembly elections.Addressing counting agents via video conferencing, she dismissed exit poll projections, calling them an attempt to “manipulate the stock market.”“We are winning and winning by 200+ seats. Exit polls are nothing but an attempt to manipulate the stock market. They did in 2021, 2024, and now,” she said.Banerjee also alleged that central forces had acted arbitrarily during polling and said party workers who faced such actions would be “rewarded.”Read more: Mamata Banerjee trashes Bengal exit polls, predicts over 200 seats for TMC
