New Delhi: The Election Commission of India The (EC) has ordered a complete re-poll in Falta assembly constituency of West Bengal, canceling the polling held on April 29, in what it described as a breakdown of the democratic process. Voting will now be held again on May 21 amid tight security at all 285 polling stations in the South 24 Parganas seat and counting of votes will take place on May 24.The decision follows multiple reports of irregularities, including allegations of voter intimidation, unauthorized presence inside polling stations and possible tampering with voting machines. Officials said the commission reviewed detailed presentations of grassroots officials, observers and available records before declaring the earlier voting “void.”

Why was this step taken

According to the Election Commission, the scale and seriousness of the complaints made it impossible to certify the April 29 vote as free or fair. Reports from observers depicted incidents of intimidation and interference inside booths, raising concerns over whether voters were able to freely exercise their franchise.One of the most serious allegations pertains to electronic voting machines (EVMs). BJP leaders claimed that at several booths, including Harindanga High School, the BJP symbol was partially covered, preventing voters from choosing their preferred option.

who said what

West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar described the repoll as a “victory” for voters, especially women, who he claimed faced intimidation during voting.On the other hand, Trinamool Congress’ Abhishek Banerjee rejected the allegations and hit back, challenging opposition leaders to contest the seat and defend their claims on the ground.Congress also objected to this and Rashid Alvi alleged that there were large-scale irregularities throughout West Bengal and Assam and described the situation as a “stain on democracy”.The day of voting itself reflects an enthusiastic atmosphere. Heavy deployment of security forces, movement of convoys and constant surveillance by political camps created an atmosphere of tension. The BJP alleged that its party symbol was pasted on electronic voting machines (EVMs) at several polling stations in Falta.Candidates from Falta include Trinamool’s Jahangir Khan, BJP’s Debangshu Panda and Congress leader Abdur Razzaq Mollah.