Voting had to be conducted again in 15 polling booths across two Assembly constituencies in West Bengal after the Election Commission of India flagged irregularities during the earlier phase of polling. The repolling is taking place in parts of South 24 Parganas district, covering booths in Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour constituencies.
Officials said the decision followed reports from on-ground election staff and observers who raised concerns about possible нарушения in the voting process, including allegations related to EVM handling. Acting on these inputs, the Election Commission directed that fresh voting be held to ensure fairness and restore confidence in the process.
The repolling began early on Saturday morning at 7 am and will continue till evening. Security has been tightened at all affected booths, with officials keeping a close watch to ensure smooth and peaceful voting this time around.
The development has added fresh political heat to an already charged election atmosphere in the state. The BJP has alleged that in some booths, voters were prevented from choosing certain candidates due to alleged tampering, and has demanded strict action. The party has also raised concerns over the fairness of the earlier polling process.
Election officials, however, have maintained that all complaints are being examined carefully and that repolling is ordered only when strong prima facie evidence of irregularities is found. They have also stressed that counting arrangements across the state are fully secure, with CCTV monitoring in place at strongrooms and counting centres.
Meanwhile, political activity within the ruling Trinamool Congress has picked up pace ahead of counting day. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee are expected to hold a virtual briefing with TMC counting agents. The meeting is aimed at preparing their representatives for the counting process and ensuring they remain alert at every stage.
TMC leaders are expected to instruct their agents to stay present at counting centres until all formal procedures are completed and results are officially declared.
Also Read: TMC flags EVM tampering in Bengal, EC denies
