Repoll Begins in Falta After Election Commission Cites Irregularities

Repolling commenced Thursday morning in the Falta assembly constituency of West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, following an order by the Election Commission citing widespread irregularities during the initial vote on April 29. Voting began at 7 a.m. across 285 polling stations, with over 236,000 eligible voters casting ballots under unprecedented security arrangements.

The repoll was ordered after a special observer's report documented serious procedural violations. Officials said the report found evidence of alleged tampering with electronic voting machines, including the application of adhesive tape and perfume substances to buttons, at multiple booths. Additionally, surveillance footage from web cameras installed at several polling stations was missing during crucial voting hours, preventing verification of complaints about voter intimidation and obstruction. The observer's investigation concluded that at least 60 booths were affected.

To prevent a repeat of such issues, security measures have been significantly enhanced. Thirty-five companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed across the constituency, with eight personnel stationed at each booth, double...