West Bengal Polls: Repoll in 15 Booths on May 2 After Complaints of EVM Issues
Mumbai: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday announced repolling in 15 polling stations in West Bengal following reports of irregularities during the second phase of Assembly elections held on April 29.
According to the poll body, fresh voting will take place on May 2 from 7 am to 6 pm across 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim Assembly constituency and four booths in Diamond Harbour Assembly constituency, both located in South 24 Parganas district.
In its directive to the state’s Chief Electoral Officer, the ECI said the decision was based on reports submitted by Returning Officers and election observers. Invoking provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission declared the earlier polling at these stations void and ordered a fresh poll.
“The Commission hereby declares that the poll taken on April 29 at the identified polling stations is void and appoints May 2 as the date for fresh polling,” the order stated, adding that wide publicity must be ensured in the affected areas and candidates be formally informed.
The move comes amid allegations of voting irregularities, including complaints of tampering with electronic voting machines (EVMs). On polling day, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal had indicated that any verified reports of EVM button tampering would lead to repolling at the affected booths.
The allegations were raised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), particularly in areas under the Diamond Harbour constituency.
Despite the controversy, the final phase of polling in the high-stakes West Bengal Assembly elections concluded on April 29 with a strong voter turnout of around 90 per cent before the close of voting.
Authorities have tightened security arrangements at strong rooms, including in Howrah, ahead of the counting of votes scheduled for May 4.
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