Even after the conclusion of the second phase of polling in the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, controversies continue to escalate, with fresh demands for re-polling raising concerns over the electoral process.

Applications have been submitted to the Election Commission of India seeking re-polling in 77 booths across four Assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas. According to sources in the State Chief Electoral Officer’s office, the breakdown includes:

• 32 booths in Falta
• 29 booths in Diamond Harbour
• 13 booths in Magrahat East
• 3 booths in Budge Budge

Notably, three of these constituencies—Falta, Diamond Harbour, and Budge Budge—fall within the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat represented by Abhishek Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress.

Opposition leads re-poll push

Sources indicate that the majority of re-poll applications have been filed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), intensifying the political standoff. The Falta Assembly constituency has emerged as the epicenter of the dispute.

Serious allegations surfaced on polling day claiming that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at booths numbered 170 and 189 in Falta were tampered with using adhesive tape, triggering sharp reactions from opposition leaders.

Clashing allegations from both sides

The situation in Falta had reportedly been tense even before polling. The ruling party accused Police Observer Ajaypal Sharma of visiting the residence of Trinamool candidate Jahangir Khan and issuing threats.

On the other hand, opposition parties have alleged voter obstruction and incidents of “booth capturing” across several polling stations, arguing that these irregularities necessitate fresh voting.

The developments stand in stark contrast to the first phase of polling held on April 23, which covered 152 constituencies and 44,376 booths without a single demand for re-polling.

However, the second phase—covering 142 constituencies and 41,001 booths—has been followed by widespread complaints concentrated in South 24 Parganas.

All eyes on Election Commission’s decision

With counting scheduled for May 4, attention is now firmly on the Election Commission’s next move. Political observers believe that any decision to conduct re-polling in these 77 booths could significantly influence the final results, particularly in closely contested constituencies.

As tensions persist, the controversy has once again brought the focus back on electoral transparency and security arrangements during a crucial phase of the election process.

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