Kolkata: Repolling was conducted at 15 polling stations in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal following complaints of irregularities during the second phase of the Assembly elections held on April 29. The move comes just two days before vote counting, adding to the political intensity in the state.
Voting is taking place in 11 booths in the Magarhat Paschim constituency and four in Diamond Harbour, with polling scheduled from morning until evening. The decision to hold a repoll was taken by the Election Commission of India after reviewing reports submitted by returning officers, observers, and other material evidence.
Officials confirmed that multiple complaints had been received from both constituencies, citing concerns such as alleged voting irregularities and procedural violations. Repolling is typically ordered in cases involving issues like electronic voting machine malfunctions, intimidation, or breaches in voting secrecy.
The political atmosphere remains charged, with the Bharatiya Janata Party alleging electoral malpractices in several booths and welcoming the decision for fresh polling. On the other hand, leaders from the All India Trinamool Congress dismissed the allegations, asserting that the demand for repolling reflects apprehension of defeat.
The Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Abhishek Banerjee, has been at the centre of the controversy. A special observer was also deployed to assess the situation on the ground.
The elections have recorded a notably high voter turnout, with participation levels reaching around 92 percent across both phases. Women voters slightly outnumbered men in turnout, highlighting strong public engagement in the electoral process.
With counting scheduled for May 4, the outcome remains keenly anticipated. While exit polls offer varied predictions, the final results will determine the political direction of the state.
