West Bengal: ECI Orders Re Polling 285 Booths at Falta
GG News Bureau
New Delhi,/Kolkata /WB 2nd May : In a major and unprecedented decision during the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered fresh polling in all 285 polling stations of the Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district. The repolling will be conducted on May 21, while the counting of votes for the constituency has been shifted to May 24.
The Election Commission stated that the decision was taken after reports of “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process” during polling held on April 29. The Commission said irregularities were observed in a large number of booths, making it necessary to cancel the earlier polling exercise entirely and conduct fresh voting across the constituency.
According to the official order, voting on May 21 will take place from 7 AM to 6 PM across all polling stations, including auxiliary booths. The repoll effectively nullifies the previous voting in Falta and is being seen as one of the strongest actions taken by the Election Commission in recent years during a state election.
The Falta constituency had witnessed intense political controversy during the second phase of polling. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had alleged large-scale irregularities, including claims that the party’s symbol on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) was taped or obstructed in certain booths. Videos circulating on social media triggered nationwide political debate and prompted demands for immediate intervention by the poll body.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC), however, rejected the allegations and accused the BJP of creating confusion after sensing electoral setbacks in the state. Political tensions in South 24 Parganas, particularly in the Diamond Harbour region considered a stronghold of TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, have remained high throughout the election process.
The Election Commission’s move has intensified political reactions across West Bengal. Opposition parties have welcomed the decision as a step toward restoring voter confidence, while the ruling TMC has questioned the conduct of certain election observers and central forces deployed in the state.
The repoll in Falta means counting on May 4 will proceed for the remaining 293 Assembly seats in West Bengal, while Falta’s result will be declared separately on May 24 after fresh polling concludes
