High Voter Turnout and Controversy Mark Repolling in West Bengal

Repolling in 15 booths of two assembly constituencies in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district concluded with an 87% turnout. Alleged harassment of a voter by central forces led to protests. The Election Commission had ordered repolling after reporting electoral malpractices. The West Bengal elections were held in two phases.

Repolling in 15 booths across two assembly constituencies in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district concluded on Saturday evening, recording a turnout of around 87% an hour before the close, according to official reports.

Despite a largely peaceful poll, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused central forces of harassing a specially abled voter and his mother in one booth, triggering protests by TMC workers and locals. TMC leaders Manmohini Biswas and Pratik Ur Rahman led the demonstrations, which were resolved by poll officials.

The repoll was mandated by the Election Commission following reports of electoral malpractices. Special observer Subrata Gupta was deputed to assess the allegations. The polls, initially held on April 29, are part of the two-phase West Bengal assembly elections, with vote counting set for May 4.