Bengal Polls: ECI Orders Repoll in 15 South 24 Parganas Booths on May 2 After Irregularity Complaints
Kolkata: In a significant move ahead of counting day, the Election Commission of India has ordered a repoll in 15 polling booths across two Assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas, citing multiple complaints during the second phase of voting.
Fresh polling will be conducted on May 2 between 7 am and 6 pm, covering 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour—both of which went to polls on April 29.
This is the first instance of repolling in the ongoing Assembly elections being held across several states, including West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. Notably, no such repoll was required after the first phase of voting in West Bengal on April 23.
EC orders repolling in 15 Bengal booths.
These are a few booths. EC orders repolling based on reports, it’s not unusual: @ShekharIyer9@rasheedkidwai also shares his views with @Zakka_Jacob & @Madhavgk. pic.twitter.com/pHWDOWgMhg
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) May 1, 2026
Complaints Trigger Action
The Commission’s decision comes after reports of alleged irregularities flagged by the state election machinery. Several constituencies—including Falta, Diamond Harbour, Magrahat, and Budge Budge—reported a surge in complaints during polling.
To assess the situation, the ECI had deputed special observer Subrata Gupta, who conducted a ground-level review before recommending corrective action.
Political Allegations Intensify
The Bharatiya Janata Party raised serious concerns over alleged malpractices in booths within the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha segment, represented by Abhishek Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress.
In Magrahat Paschim, allegations also emerged about possible covert surveillance being used to track voter preferences—raising fresh questions over ballot secrecy.
Why Repoll Is Ordered
Repolling is typically mandated when credible evidence suggests disruption of the electoral process. This can include EVM malfunctions, booth capturing, voter intimidation, or breaches in voting secrecy. Such complaints may be raised by candidates, political parties, polling agents, or election observers, following which the Commission evaluates the evidence before taking a final call.
Focus on Counting Day
With results scheduled for May 4, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal assured that robust safeguards are in place to ensure transparency at counting centres.
His remarks come amid heightened political tensions and allegations surrounding strongroom monitoring and ballot handling. The Election Commission, however, has dismissed these claims, reiterating that all procedures are being followed strictly in accordance with established norms.
