In an unprecedented move, the Election Commission of India has ordered a complete re-poll in all 285 polling booths of the Falta constituency due to allegations of violence and EVM tampering during the West Bengal Assembly Elections. Originally held on April 29, 2026, these elections saw an impressive voter turnout of approximately 93.48% in the South 24 Parganas district.
The re-polling is scheduled for May 21, 2026, from 7 AM to 6 PM, with vote counting set for May 24. The Election Commission cited serious disruptions during the initial voting phase as the primary reason for this drastic action. “The decision to conduct re-polling stems from multiple complaints of electoral malpractices,” an official stated.
Voters will need valid identity proof to cast their votes, including options like Voter ID, Aadhaar card, passport, driving license, or PAN card. This stringent requirement aims to ensure that the re-polling process remains secure and transparent.
The Election Commission has also deployed additional observers—165 in total—to monitor the counting process closely. An official emphasized that these observers are there to ensure that the counting proceedings are conducted in a secure, peaceful, intimidation-free and transparent environment.
This extensive re-poll exercise marks one of the largest such actions in recent electoral history in West Bengal. Observers have noted that the scale of this response reflects growing concerns about electoral integrity in the region.
As anticipation builds among voters and political parties alike, officials continue to prepare for the upcoming re-polling day. The next ruling is expected on May 12 regarding any further developments related to these elections.
