Bengal Polls
Bengal elections: EC orders full repoll in Falta after 'severe electoral offences' flagged
Kolkata/IBNS: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed a complete repoll in the Falta Assembly constituency of West Bengal after identifying what it described as “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process” during polling held on April 29.
In an official order issued on Saturday, the poll body stated that widespread irregularities were reported across multiple polling stations, prompting it to annul the earlier exercise and mandate fresh voting across the entire constituency.
The commission confirmed that voting will take place again at all 285 polling stations, including auxiliary booths, in the constituency.
The fresh poll has been scheduled for May 21, with voting set to be conducted between 7 am and 6 pm.
Counting of votes for the constituency will now take place on May 24, following the completion of the repolling process.
'Widespread irregularities'
In its statement, the Election Commission noted that the decision followed a detailed assessment of reports received from the ground.
It highlighted that the scale of reported violations warranted a full repoll rather than limited re-voting in select booths.
The directive stated that the earlier polling exercise had been compromised due to serious breaches affecting a large number of polling stations within the constituency.
Protests erupt in South 24 Parganas
The announcement came amid heightened tensions in the South 24 Parganas district, where Falta is located.
Residents in several areas in Falta staged protests, alleging intimidation and threats in the aftermath of polling.
In Falta's Hasimnagar village, hundreds of villagers gathered and blocked roads, demanding security assurances and calling for fresh elections in the constituency.
Protesters, including women carrying flags, raised concerns about safety following the declaration of results.
Security intensified
Following the protests, personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force were deployed in the area to manage the situation and maintain order.
Security forces reached the affected locations and assured residents that adequate measures would be implemented to ensure safety and prevent any untoward incidents during the repolling process.
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