BJP had claimed that BJP button was taped on a booth in Falta.

In a rare move, the Election Commission on Saturday ordered “fresh” voting in the entire constituency of Falta on May 21. Citing “serious electoral crimes of the democratic process”, she announced her decision with vote counting scheduled for 24 May. The Election Commission’s decision to order repoll in parts of Falta assembly constituency comes after allegations of electoral irregularities were leveled during the second phase of voting on April 29.“Considering the serious electoral crimes and subversion of the democratic process during polling at a large number of polling stations in Falta Assembly Constituency on April 29, the Election Commission directs that fresh polling will be conducted at all 285 polling stations including auxiliary polling stations,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying by PTI.The BJP had claimed that its party symbol was allegedly pasted on electronic voting machines (EVMs) at several booths in the constituency, thereby preventing voters from choosing its option. Party leaders including Suvendu Adhikari raised the issue with the senior leadership, while BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya described it as the “Diamond Harbor model” and demanded immediate corrective action.Specific polling stations, including Harindanga High School and booth number 189, were said to be affected by the party.The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal had responded at that time that any such complaint would be verified and if confirmed, re-polling would be conducted.Following reports from returning officers, observers and what the election body called “physical circumstances”, the Election Commission ordered repolling at select booths, including Falta, to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.The move comes amid heightened political tension in the Diamond Harbor area, with both the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress accusing each other of influencing the voting process.Falta Assembly constituency, where voting took place on April 29 in the second phase of the 2026 West Bengal elections, saw a six-cornered contest. Prominent candidates in the fray include Jahangir Khan of Trinamool Congress (TMC), Debangshu Panda of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Abdur Razzaq Mollah of Congress and Shambhu Nath Kurmi of CPI(M) along with independents Deep Hati and Chandrakant Roy.

Re-polling took place in South 24 Parganas on May 2.

Re-polling was conducted amid tight security at 15 polling stations in two assembly constituencies of South 24 Parganas district on May 2, in which heavy turnout was recorded.According to officials, polling was largely peaceful at 11 booths in Magrahat West and four in Diamond Harbor with over 86 per cent turnout.The repoll was ordered following complaints of irregularities during the April 29 voting phase.The protests broke out after the Trinamool Congress alleged harassment of a specially-abled voter and his mother by central forces following a separate incident at a booth in Diamond Harbour. Officials said the situation was brought under control and voting continued without any major disruption.

SC rejects TMC’s plea on counting staff

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court refused to give any direction on Trinamool Congress’ plea challenging the deployment of central government employees in the counting process of the West Bengal Assembly elections.A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi recorded the Election Commission’s assurance that its April 13 circular will be implemented and said no further order was necessary.TMC had moved the court after the Calcutta High Court rejected its challenge. During the hearing, the court said that the returning officer, a state government official, has overall control of the counting process, and agents appointed by the party will be present.The Election Commission told the court that personnel from both the central and state governments would be deployed, with one from each acting as counting observers and assistants. Counting of votes is to take place on May 4.Read more: SC special bench rejects TMC’s plea on counting staff

Mamata Banerjee confident of TMC’s victory

Amid the ongoing election process and controversies, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed confidence that the Trinamool Congress will win a decisive victory in the assembly elections.Addressing counting agents via video conferencing, he rejected the exit poll projections and described them as an attempt to “manipulate the stock market”.He said, “We are winning and winning from 200+ seats. Exit polls are nothing but an attempt to manipulate the stock market. They did it in 2021, 2024 and even now.”Banerjee also alleged that central forces acted arbitrarily during the polling and said party workers facing such actions would be “rewarded”.Read more: Mamata Banerjee rejects Bengal exit polls, predicts over 200 seats for TMC