West Bengal Falta Assembly repoll: Till 1 pm, 60.43 per cent voter turnout recorded
Sout, h 24
Parganas, May 21: The 144-Falta Assembly Constituency in West Bengal records a strong approximate voter turnout of 60.43 per cent until 1 PM on Thursday as fresh voting continues under heavy institutional supervision.
The re-poll in Falta came after irregularities were reported in the polling during the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026, conducted in two phases on April 23 and 29.
BJP candidate from the Falta Assembly constituency, Debangshu Panda, said voting was progressing peacefully during the repolling in the constituency and expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would secure a decisive victory.
Speaking to ANI, Panda said the overall atmosphere at polling stations remained calm and festive, with voters turning up in good numbers to exercise their franchise.
"The atmosphere is fine, there is no problem. There is a festive atmosphere. Voters are coming, casting their votes, and leaving; it's a good atmosphere. BJP will win," Panda said.
Voting that began at 7 am will conclude at 6 pm today. Votes are scheduled to be counted on May 24.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered a fresh poll to be held across all polling stations in the Falta Constituency, even as repolling was held in 15 booths in Paschim Magrahat and Diamond Harbour assembly constituencies.
According to the ECI, directives for fresh re-polling were given in Falta "on consideration of severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process during the polling in a large number of polling stations on April 29."
On Tuesday, TMC's Jahangir Khan had announced the withdrawal of his nomination from the re-election for the Falta Assembly constituency.
Addressing a press conference, he said, "I am a son of Falta's soil. I would want Falta to stay peaceful, healthy, and good. And I want more and more development for Falta. So let there be a Golden Falta, that was my dream. That's why our Chief Minister is giving a special package for the development of Falta. For that reason, I am withdrawing myself from the upcoming repoll contest on May 21."
However, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) clarified that Khan's decision was "personal" and the call was not made by the party. In a statement, the party alleged pressure on TMC workers in Falta following post-poll violence in the state.
Earlier this month, Panda had alleged large-scale irregularities during polling in the constituency, including voter intimidation and manipulation at several booths. He had then claimed that the BJP would secure a huge mandate in the repoll.
The BJP formed its first government in West Bengal after winning 207 seats in the 2026 Assembly elections, with Suvendu Adhikari taking oath as Chief Minister.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The TMC candidate withdrawing is suspicious timing. Either he saw the writing on the wall or there's pressure behind the scenes. Either way, voters seem to be turning out well for fresh polling. Let's see if this translates into a clean election.
Important that the Election Commission acted decisively after irregularities. Without intervention, the entire election's credibility would have been at stake. Hopefully this repoll sets a precedent for zero tolerance.
Happy to see festive atmosphere at polling stations 🗳️ Voters are taking charge despite the chaos earlier. But the timing of the TMC candidate's withdrawal is eyebrow-raising. Maybe the party knew they couldn't win fair and square this time.
BJP government in Bengal since 2026? I remember when it seemed impossible. This repoll will be crucial to see if they can hold onto this falta seat. Voter turnout is promising but we need to see impartial counting on May 24.
It's encouraging to see the ECI's proactive approach—forcing a repoll across ALL booths in Falta is strong. But what about the other constituencies where similar irregularities happened? Consistency needed.
TMC candidate withdrawing is a masterstroke—saves face if they were going to
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