Repolling is underway in 15 polling stations across South 24 Parganas district on May 2, following directions from the Election Commission after complaints of EVM tampering during Phase 2 voting on April 29. The affected booths are located in Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour Assembly constituencies, both of which had witnessed allegations of irregularities on polling day.
The Election Commission said the decision was based on reports from returning officers and observers, with voting being conducted from 7 am to 6 pm under tight security. While the BJP has welcomed the move and demanded repoll in more booths, the Trinamool Congress has accused the opposition of attempting to defame the state. Counting of votes for the high-stakes election is scheduled for May 4.
West Bengal elections: LIVE updates
Saugata Roy calls repoll ‘routine exercise’
Saugata Roy downplayed the development, saying repolling in select booths is not unusual in elections.
BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya claims ‘public mandate against TMC’
Samik Bhattacharya said voters have “rejected TMC”, claiming strong turnout reflects a mood for change.
Police confirm case registered in Falta
An Additional SP said a case has been registered over complaints of intimidation, adding that demands of locals are being addressed.
Falta sees protests over ‘threats’ allegation
Residents in Falta staged protests alleging intimidation, with security forces deployed and officials saying the situation is under control.
Sukanta Majumdar says repoll booths ‘too few’
Sukanta Majumdar said 15 booths were insufficient for repoll, alleging wider irregularities, especially in Falta.
Panja flags CCTV concerns at strongroom
Panja also alleged absence of CCTV coverage when postal ballots arrived early morning, raising concerns over monitoring arrangements.
TMC’s Shashi Panja alleges strongroom access issue
Shashi Panja claimed she was briefly stopped from entering the Netaji Indoor Stadium strongroom, alleging security personnel were “unaware of rules”.
Turnout crosses 55% in repoll booths
Repolling recorded 56.33% turnout in Magrahat Paschim and 54.6% in Diamond Harbour till 1 pm, taking the combined polling to around 55.5%.
Brief unrest reported, polling continues
The incident triggered sloganeering by party supporters, but voting continued under tight security in the area.
Candidate Shamim Ahmed visits spot, seeks EC intervention
TMC candidate Shamim Ahmed reached the site and demanded action, alleging security personnel exceeded their mandate.
TMC accuses central forces of ‘excess’
TMC leaders claimed the camp was set up beyond the restricted zone and functioning within rules when personnel allegedly entered and damaged it.
Tension in Magrahat West after TMC camp vandalism claim
Tension flared near Booth No. 127 in Magrahat Paschim after TMC alleged that central forces vandalised a party camp and assaulted workers.
BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal alleges ‘rigging attempts’
Jaiswal claimed irregularities despite tight security, asserting that “public verdict will prevail” in the elections.
Shiv Sena’s Shaina NC calls repoll ‘justified’
Shaina NC said the Election Commission acted under legal provisions and accused TMC of creating “excuses” ahead of results.
BJP’s Keya Ghosh backs repoll decision
BJP leader Keya Ghosh said repolling reflects “ground reality” in Bengal, alleging past instances of booth capturing and EVM tampering.
EC assures state nominees will be part of counting
The poll body told the court that state government nominees will be present along with Central staff during counting, as per its existing framework.
Supreme Court closes TMC plea on counting staff
The Supreme Court declined to interfere with the Election Commission’s decision on counting personnel, directing that its April 13 circular be followed “in letter and spirit” during May 4 counting.
Voters face delays after morning disruption
The glitch led to inconvenience for voters who had been waiting in queues since early morning at the affected booth.
Voting resumes efforts underway after disruption
Election Commission officials rushed to the spot and are working to replace the faulty machine to restore polling at the earliest.
EVM glitch disrupts polling in Diamond Harbour booth
Polling at Booth No. 243 in Raynagar under Diamond Harbour was hit after an EVM developed a technical fault around 8 am, forcing a temporary halt in voting.
Turnout nears 37% in repoll booths
Polling in repolling stations of South 24 Parganas recorded 36.99% turnout till 11 am, with Magrahat Paschim at 38.2% and Diamond Harbour at 35.92%.
Keshav Prasad Maurya welcomes repoll, predicts TMC defeat
Keshav Prasad Maurya said the repoll is being conducted peacefully and claimed TMC is heading for a “crushing defeat” on May 4.
Shashi Panja reaches strong room in Kolkata
Shashi Panja arrived at the Netaji Indoor Stadium strong room as parties keep a close watch ahead of counting.
Repoll ordered after complaints in Phase 2 voting
The Election Commission ordered fresh polling following reports of disturbances and procedural lapses during the April 29 voting.
Polling peaceful so far, say officials
Election officials said voting has remained peaceful, with security personnel deployed at booths to ensure smooth conduct of the repoll.
Long queues seen outside multiple booths
Voters were seen lining up outside several polling stations since early morning, signalling steady participation despite the repoll.
Voting underway in 15 booths across two constituencies
Repolling is being held in 11 booths of Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour after complaints during the April 29 polling.
Turnout crosses 16% in repoll booths
Repolling in 15 booths of South 24 Parganas recorded a combined turnout of 16.23% till 9 am. Magrahat Paschim logged 16.68%, while Diamond Harbour stood at 15.83%.
BJP counters TMC’s strongroom allegations
BJP candidate Vijay Ojha dismissed TMC’s claims of EVM tampering in strongrooms, saying procedures are being followed and there is “no restriction” on candidate access.
BJP leader says EC ensured ‘fair process’
Bihar minister Ramkripal Yadav claimed voters have “rejected TMC” and said the Election Commission has ensured fair polling and will oversee a fair counting process.
Another voter demands roads, healthcare, schools
A voter, Mader Mollah, highlighted lack of roads, primary healthcare and schools in the area, expressing hope for better development and harmony.
Voter flags local issues, calls for change
A voter, Sushanta, said repoll was being held due to earlier issues, while raising concerns over “misgovernance” and calling for improvements in the education system.
Long queues seen at repoll booths in Magrahat Paschim
Voters queued up outside booths 230, 231 and 232 at Bahirpuya Kurkuriya F.P. School as repolling continued in South 24 Parganas.
Magrahat Paschim | Tight security as repoll underway
Heavy security deployment was seen in South 24 Parganas’ Magrahat Paschim constituency as repolling began at 7 am. Rapid Action Force personnel were stationed near polling booths to prevent any disruption.
Shyampukur | BJP hits out at TMC candidate ahead of counting
BJP candidate Purnima Chakraborty launched a sharp attack on TMC’s Shashi Panja, alleging she was “staging drama” out of fear of defeat. She claimed the strong rooms and EVMs were secure, adding that voters had “rejected” the sitting minister.
Diamond Harbour | Fresh polling sees functional machines
Another voter at the same booth said the issue seen during the April 29 polling had been resolved. “The machine had malfunctioned last time. It is working properly in the repoll,” the voter said.
Diamond Harbour | Voter says repoll smooth, no issues
A voter at Booth No 117 in Diamond Harbour said the repolling process was proceeding without disruption. “It was fine earlier too, and it is fine now. These things happen sometimes,” the voter said.
Barrackpore | BJP’s Arjun Singh backs repoll move
BJP candidate from Noapara, Arjun Singh, said repolling was necessary in booths where allegations of tape being placed on EVM buttons surfaced. “If someone couldn’t vote because of that, it is the Election Commission’s responsibility to ensure they get a chance again,” he said.
BJP says TMC ‘scared’, accuses it of pushing false narrative
Shankar Ghosh said TMC’s allegations reflect fear of defeat, claiming the party is trying to mislead voters ahead of counting.
Congress flags ‘EC-BJP nexus’, questions poll credibility
Subhankar Sarkar alleged a “connivance” between the Election Commission and BJP, saying public trust in the poll process has been impacted.
TMC’s Shashi Panja calls repoll a ‘BJP strategy’
Shashi Panja alleged that BJP tried to provoke unrest on polling day to trigger large-scale repolling and “defame Bengal”.
Sukanta Majumdar cites Falta ‘tape’ row, backs EC action
Sukanta Majumdar referred to EVM “taping” complaints in Falta, saying the Election Commission is examining cases and has acted appropriately.
BJP’s Dilip Ghosh says repoll reflects failed ‘efforts’ in Diamond Harbour
Dilip Ghosh said attempts to influence polling in Diamond Harbour “failed”, adding that repoll is happening due to complaints received.
Suvendu says repoll ‘welcome’, demands wider action
Suvendu Adhikari on Friday said repoll in Magrahat Paschim is “welcome” but should have been extended to more booths, including across Falta.
Falta row triggered repoll decision
The controversy stems from allegations that EVM buttons were tampered with in Falta, preventing voters from choosing a particular candidate.
TMC blames BJP, calls repoll a ‘defamation strategy’
The Trinamool Congress alleged that the incidents leading to repoll were part of a “devious strategy” by BJP to defame West Bengal.
BJP welcomes repoll, seeks action in more booths
The BJP has supported the EC’s decision, calling for repolling in additional booths, particularly in Falta.
Voting underway from 7 am to 6 pm under tight security
Polling began at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm. Additional security has been deployed at sensitive booths.
EC ordered repoll after reports of EVM tampering
The Election Commission directed repolling after receiving complaints of EVM button tampering during Phase 2 polling on April 29.
Repolling begins in 15 booths across South 24 Parganas
Repolling is currently underway in 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and 4 booths in Diamond Harbour, following ECI orders.