Repolling Sparks Controversy in West Bengal's Electoral Showdown

Voting commenced in 15 booths across two West Bengal assembly constituencies amidst allegations of electoral malpractices. The Election Commission ordered repolls following reports from officials and observers. The BJP claimed irregularities in these districts, with special observer Subrata Gupta investigating the ground situation.

On Saturday, repolling kicked off at 15 booths across two assembly constituencies in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district following the Election Commission's directive. The repolls became necessary due to reported electoral malpractices, confirmed by officials.

The decision affects 11 polling stations in the Magrahat Paschim constituency and four in the Diamond Harbour constituency, both of which saw polling during the second state elections phase on April 29. This move emerged from information gathered by returning officers, observers, and 'material circumstances,' according to the Election Commission.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged significant electoral malpractices in certain stations, prompting the EC to send special observer Subrata Gupta for fact-checking. Additionally, the EC deliberates on conducting a repoll in the Falta assembly constituency. The high-stakes West Bengal elections, conducted on April 23 and April 29, were held under tight security, with vote counting scheduled for May 4.