🚨 BIG: EC orders re-polling in all 285 booths of Falta (WB) on May 21 due to severe electoral offences & subversion of democracy.
=> Counting on May 24.#FaltaRepoll #bengalvoting pic.twitter.com/q0MY1bvCGZ
— NewsMatrix (@NewsMatrixinfo) May 2, 2026
Kolkata: In a dramatic intervention, the Election Commission of India has ordered a complete repoll in the Falta Assembly constituency of West Bengal, citing “serious electoral offences” that allegedly compromised the integrity of voting held on April 29.
The poll panel, in an order issued Saturday, scrapped the entire polling exercise after reports flagged widespread irregularities across multiple booths. Declaring the process “vitiated,” the Commission directed fresh voting in all 285 polling stations, including auxiliary booths, across the constituency.
Election Comission of India (ECI) directs that fresh polls shall be conducted in all the 285 polling stations, including Auxiliary polling stations, in 144-Falta Assembly Constituency, between 7 AM and 6 PM on 21st May 2026, and counting of votes will take place on 24th May 2026:… pic.twitter.com/lMZsfuPbdZ
— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2026
Fresh Voting Dates Announced
The re-election in Falta Assembly constituency will now take place on May 21, with polling scheduled from 7 am to 6 pm. Counting of votes has been deferred to May 24, following completion of the repoll.
EC Flags ‘Large-Scale Violations’
According to officials, the decision came after a detailed ground-level assessment revealed that violations were not isolated but spread extensively across the constituency. The scale of alleged malpractice prompted the Commission to opt for a full repoll rather than limited re-voting in select booths.
“The earlier polling exercise stood compromised due to serious breaches affecting a significant number of polling stations,” the EC noted.
Tensions Flare in South 24 Parganas
The announcement triggered unrest in parts of South 24 Parganas district, where Falta is located. In Hasimnagar village, hundreds of residents took to the streets, blocking roads and demanding enhanced security arrangements.
Villagers alleged post-poll intimidation and raised concerns about safety, with women protesters prominently participating and calling for a free and fair electoral environment.
Central Forces Deployed
Amid rising tensions, personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force were deployed to restore order. Security forces have assured residents of strict measures to prevent any untoward incidents during the repoll process.
The EC’s sweeping decision underscores mounting concerns over electoral integrity in the region, setting the stage for a high-stakes re-election in one of Bengal’s most closely watched constituencies.
