Election Commission of India Orders Repolling in 15 West Bengal Booths

Politics

India

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has declared the April 29, 2026, polling at 15 stations in West Bengal's Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour constituencies void, scheduling a fresh vote for May 2.

Key points

  • The repolling order follows reports from returning officers and observers regarding irregularities during the second phase of the assembly elections.
  • BJP leaders alleged that voters were prevented from selecting their party candidate at several booths in Falta, where buttons were reportedly taped over.
  • The ECI has directed general observers for all 294 assembly constituencies to be present at counting centers on May 4 until the process is complete.
  • Security measures include the deployment of 200 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) at counting rooms and a three-stage verification process for entry.

Why it matters

The decision to hold a repoll and the strict oversight of the counting process reflect the ECI's efforts to address allegations of electoral malpractice and ensure the integrity of the high-stakes West Bengal assembly elections.

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