EC Orders Re-Polling in 15 Booths Across South 24 Parganas Amid Malpractice Allegations

Kolkata, May 2026 : The Election Commission of India on Friday ordered re-polling at 15 polling booths across two Assembly constituencies—Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour—in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, following complaints of large-scale electoral malpractices during voting.

Out of the 15 booths identified for re-polling, 11 are located in Magrahat (Paschim), while the remaining four fall under Diamond Harbour. Voting in both constituencies had taken place on April 29 during the second phase of the two-phase Assembly elections in the state.

According to an official statement issued by the Election Commission, the decision was based on detailed reports submitted by returning officers and general observers who monitored the polling process. These reports highlighted serious irregularities and alleged violations at the identified booths, prompting the Commission to take corrective action to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

Meanwhile, indications have emerged that re-polling may be extended further. Sources from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer suggested that as many as 30 polling booths in the Falta Assembly constituency—also located in the Diamond Harbour subdivision—could face re-polling.

The development follows complaints related to malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), particularly involving the button corresponding to the symbol of the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate in Falta. Taking the matter seriously, the Election Commission initiated a thorough investigation. Notably, instead of relying solely on routine reports from local officials, the probe was personally overseen by a special observer appointed by the Commission, Subrat Gupta.

Gupta arrived in Falta from Kolkata on Thursday and conducted an extensive on-ground inspection throughout the day. Following his assessment, he reportedly recommended re-polling at around 30 booths, a move that is currently under consideration by the Commission.

Earlier, the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party had demanded re-polling across the entire Falta constituency, alleging widespread irregularities and voter intimidation. The situation in the constituency had already been tense even before polling day, marked by sharp exchanges between the Commission-appointed special police observer for Diamond Harbour subdivision, Ajay Paul Sharma, and Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan.

On polling day, reports of sporadic violence surfaced from several areas, further raising concerns about the conduct of free and fair elections. Tensions persisted even on Friday, with fresh clashes reported between supporters of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

As the Election Commission continues to assess the situation, the focus remains on ensuring transparency and restoring confidence in the democratic process in the affected constituencies.