PIB Fact Check Flags Fake IB Report on Bengal Polls, Urges Vigilance

In a post on X, PIB Fact Check said: "A report titled 'Preliminary Assessment of West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026' is circulating on social media, claiming to have been issued by the Intelligence Bureau (IB).

PIB Fact Check: This report is FAKE. The Intelligence Bureau has NOT issued any such report. Always VERIFY such news only through official government sources. Help STOP misinformation. Flag suspicious content to @PIBFactCheck."

Meanwhile, the Election Commission is reviewing complaints and representations related to the second phase of polling in West Bengal before taking a final decision on repolling in the identified booths. Officials said the process is part of the routine post-poll assessment mechanism to ensure free and fair elections.

The Election Commission is actively looking into demands for repolling in 77 booths across four Assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas district after the second phase of West Bengal elections held on April 29, an official said earlier on Thursday.

Officials added that security arrangements and polling data from the affected booths are also being examined as part of the ongoing review process.

The second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 saw heavy voter participation, with polling held across 142 constituencies in seven districts. The state recorded a turnout of over 92.6 per cent in Phase 2, contributing to a record overall turnout of nearly 93 per cent across both phases, the highest since Independence.

Around 3.21 crore voters were eligible to cast their votes in this phase, with polling conducted under tight security arrangements amid reports of sporadic violence in some areas.

The high-stakes election is expected to determine whether the ruling dispensation retains power or a change in government takes place, with counting scheduled for May 4.

- IANS